It is important to remember that there is a reason Israel was called the "Promised Land." God had given it to them and sworn by Himself that they should have it. He had arranged everything necessary for this to occur and promised His presence until the land was secured.
The people had fought under Joshua's strong leadership and subdued the enemies. Afterward, many tribes had been given a section of land, but they were dragging their feet at the end of this struggle to do what was necessary to occupy their inheritance. Multiple tribes had not received their apportioned land because they were responsible to clear out the land. It was a hard task and their individual tribes were not getting the job done. So, the whole nation gathered at Shiloh. Joshua challenges them in Joshua 18.
1 Then the whole congregation of the sons of Israel assembled themselves at Shiloh, and set up the tent of meeting there; and the land was subdued before them.
2 There remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance.
3 So Joshua said to the sons of Israel, “How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?
4 “Provide for yourselves three men from each tribe that I may send them, and that they may arise and walk through the land and write a description of it according to their inheritance; then they shall return to me.
What is the point of this story for us?
People, even with good intentions, have to be LED. This is not a problem, just a reality. They may not have ever resolved this if Joshua had not led them there!
A leader assesses the situation, inquires of God, and devises a plan for the next step. And Joshua was a good leader—even as an 80+-year-old man.
Our families have to be led. Our children will wander without good leadership. Those around us over whom God has given us some responsibility must have a leader, or they will not push forward and take the land that is promised to them.
Are we leading? What land lays before us unconquered and unsettled? Lead those around you into God's promises! It's your responsibility and their need.
