More than a City

Joshua 15: "The territory of the tribe of Judah also included Ekron and its surrounding settlements and villages."

This morning as I continued my reading of the book of Joshua, I began to read the distribution of land to the different tribes of Israel after their journey from the wilderness. In reading this portion of scripture, I found it to be similar to reading a genealogy that we sometimes choose to skip in our reading.  I became curious at the thought of why they listed every name and I was soon quickened by the Holy Spirit.

When churches are announced, they are launched to a certain city.  A city that they desired or that God put on their hearts because there is a need. The pioneer work becomes appointed to that city and the surrounding blocks, that it never really claims the land. The tribes of Israel didn't just settle for a major city, they extended their boundaries to surrounding settlements and villages. They were looking to possess the land and claim it as their own in the name of Jehovah.

God promised each of the tribes land, not just a city! As churches, God's given us more than a city and desires for us to start possessing the surrounding settlements and villages.  Let's start making a difference in the land! Claiming cities are a great start, but what then? Do we sit and enjoy the satisfaction of a city that is now living a "Christianized" lifestyle? We need to keep pushing until the dark spiritual kings of those surrounding settlements and villages are backed into hiding into a cave (Joshua 10:16).

There is always more land to be conquered because until our King returns, the Prince of this World will continue trying to take possession of what is rightfully His. Let us not be satisfied with a church in a city, lets take the land!