Joshua 13:1
‘Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the LORD said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and a very large amount of the land remains to be possessed”‘.
What a life Joshua had. When young he was Moses’ assistant. He followed him and did what was asked of him. He was one of the 12 spies that Moses sent to inspect the land God was to give them. He and Caleb were the only two that came back with a positive report. The people doubted and had to spend 40 more years in the wilderness. It must have been nice to have been one of the two with the positive report. He was appointed the leader of the nation upon Moses’ passing. The nation crosses the Jordan, not as cool as the Red Sea, but an amazing miracle. He leads the nation into the promised land and acts as its general and fights against the tribes within the land. In Joshua 11 God declares that the nation is at rest, so the land is divided up amongst the people. In a sense life becomes normal for the people. They have homes and jobs.
Today’s verse has God recognizing that Joshua is old. Commentators say that this isn’t referring to years, but health. His work has taken a toll on his body. One writer puts him about 90 years old. He’s not done working. He is to divide up the land.
I’ve heard it said that the bible doesn’t speak of retirement. It doesn’t mean one has to keep working, but that God has more for us as long as we have breath.
In reading about this verse one of the writers made some good points. The first is God’s purpose continues. He wants to use us. It usually involves people, relationships and ministry to them. It could be in a work context, recreation, relatives and so on.
The next point the writer makes is to embrace new challenges. Joshua went from being a general to dividing up the land. That sounds easier than war. His health lasted as long as it needed to. His next job won’t be as hard on his health. God’s will in our lives won’t burden us. If our health limits us, God knows that and will use us accordingly.
The last point made by the writer is that each season holds value. All sorts of busyness could be swirling around us. That doesn’t mean that those things define our job. God will provide tasks that give purpose.
Thank You, Lord, for keeping us busy and providing meaning.
