God instructed Joshua to divide the land for the remaining nine and a half tribes. The Levites were not given any cities as God said He had chosen them to serve Him in the temple. So, their provision was to come from the “Levite Tithe” - five grains: wine, olive oil, fruit, and cattle brought by the worshippers to offer to God. The purpose was so they could serve God wholly without worry since they did not have any land to grow crops or cattle to graze on.

We may not be in full-time ministry. We do not have to worry about food or house, but we do worry about having the time or the gifts to serve Him. But if God wants us to serve Him, He will provide as He provided for the Levites. To serve wholeheartedly in Jesus’ word is to go “the second mile.” But we don’t want to go the first mile of serving God. Instead, we like to take shortcuts, we want convenience, or we like to serve in our own ways.

Jesus asked us to count the cost because there is a price for serving Him. God the Father told Joshua to only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you.  Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh. Joshua did as he was told without excuse. Serving God wholeheartedly must be done according to God’s words and His ways. We can only serve God wholeheartedly when we are committed wholeheartedly to love and live for Him.

Moses had allotted the two-and-a-half tribes with their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan, but they did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites, but Geshur and Maacath dwell in the midst of Israel to this day so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day” (v. 13). The reason God instructed them to destroy the inhabitants was He did not want them to worship the pagan gods but only to worship Him alone.

We do not know the reasons why the two-and-tribe did not get rid of the inhabitants. It can be out of good intentions. But someone said, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” However, good intentions must be consistent with God’s character and nature too. We must live as God’s children and be the salt of the earth, but our salt must not lose its saltiness. Jesus said that we are in the world, but we must not be like the world. As someone said, “A boat is made to go on the water, but water must not get into it.”

Good intentions can lead us to condone sinful behaviors and actions if we are not wise. We will be seen as “evil” if we do not confront the evildoers of what they have done.

To serve God is a calling. It is not because of our own desires or abilities to do so. It is because God has chosen us like He has chosen the Levites to serve Him. As believers, God has chosen us to serve Him and to serve Him wholeheartedly with the gifts He has given us to build the church! We must help others to serve God wholeheartedly as Jesus’ disciples are called to do as well!

Reflective Prayer : O Lord, there are no excuses for us not to serve you. Just as you had provided for the Levites, I believe you will provide for us if we would answer your call to serve you in the church.