R³ Devotional - Day 85

As we read through these chapters in Joshua, we see the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. In Joshua 12, we look back at the kings who were defeated, marking key victories in the conquest of the land. Then, in Joshua 13, we find that there’s still more land to be taken. Finally, chapters 14 and 15 focus on how the land is divided among the tribes, with special attention given to Caleb's story of faith. These chapters are not just historical—they’re reminders of God’s faithfulness and a call for us to reflect on the inheritance we have in Christ today.

1. God’s Faithfulness in the Conquest (Joshua 12)
In Joshua 12, we see a list of defeated kings that show God’s hand in giving victory to the Israelites. God led them, step by step, to conquer what He had promised. This wasn’t because of the Israelites’ strength, but because of God's faithfulness to keep His word.

Reflection:
Just as God led Israel to victory, He is faithful to lead us through whatever battles we face in our own lives. It might not always look like what we expect, but we can trust that God’s promises are true and will come to pass. What battles are you facing today? You can have the confidence that God will give you victory in His timing, just as He did for Israel.

Key Verse: Joshua 12:7-24 (The list of defeated kings)

2. The Unfinished Work (Joshua 13)
In Joshua 13, we’re reminded that while much of the land had been conquered, there was still more to claim. Joshua is old, and God tells him to divide the remaining land among the tribes. But the work wasn’t done yet, and the Israelites had to keep moving forward to fully claim what God had promised.

Reflection:
In the same way, there are areas in our spiritual lives where God is still calling us to grow. Maybe there are promises you haven’t fully walked into yet. Maybe there’s more you’re meant to experience in your relationship with God, or more areas of your life that God is asking you to surrender to Him. Just as Israel had to continue conquering, we too are called to continue growing and trusting God with every step.

Key Verse: Joshua 13:1-7 ("There remains very much land yet to be possessed.")

3. The Inheritance of the Promised Land (Joshua 14-15)
In these chapters, Caleb, the courageous spy from Numbers 13, comes to claim the land Moses promised him. At 85 years old, Caleb is still strong, still ready to fight, and full of faith in God’s promise. And then we see how the land is divided among the tribes, with Caleb being given the land he had believed God for all those years ago.

Reflection:
Caleb’s story is such an encouragement, isn’t it? He believed God’s promises, and even as an older man, he was ready to claim what God had promised him. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to step into the fullness of what God has for you. No matter where you are in life, God is faithful to fulfill His promises. Just as Caleb didn’t let age or circumstance stop him, we too can have the faith to claim what God has for us—whether we’re young or old, in good health or facing challenges.

Key Verse: Joshua 14:9 ("So Moses swore on that day, saying, 'Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.'")

As we reflect on these chapters, we’re reminded that God’s promises are true and unchanging. The Israelites were called to take possession of the land, and we, too, are called to step into the promises God has for us. Like Israel, we may still have areas where God is calling us to press forward, to fight for what He’s promised, and to trust that He is with us every step of the way.

Let’s have the courage of Caleb to claim our inheritance with boldness, knowing that God is faithful to do what He’s promised. And let’s remember that, no matter where we are in life, God is still working in us and through us, calling us to experience His fullness.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your promises that are always true. Thank You for Your faithfulness in our lives, even when we face challenges. Help us to trust You in the battles we face and to keep pressing forward in faith. Give us the courage of Caleb to claim all that You have for us, trusting that You will bring us into the fullness of Your promises. We love You, Lord, and we thank You for the inheritance we have in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.