Scripture

Now in those days Israel had no King. And the tribe of Dan was trying to find a place they could settle, for they had not yet moved into the land assigned to them when the land was divided among the tribes of Israel.

Observation

The tribe of Dan, rather than taking the land the Lord had given to them, decide to take land from other Israelites. They choose five warriors to scout out the land for them.

They arrive at Micah’s house and ask the Levite there to ask God whether the mission will be successful. The Levite tells them the Lord is watching over them.

They see the land around Laish where the people are prosperous because of the fertile soil. They return home and encourage the tribe to come and take over the land.

Application

When the Israelites first entered the Promised Land, the Lord allocated a portion to each tribe. It was then up to the tribes to take that land and settle in it. For some reason the tribe of Dan had not done that, and they then tried to take land from their fellow Israelites.

How often I have heard of people who have known what God was asking them to do with their lives, and they refused. There was a promise and a mission, but instead of ordering their lives God’s way, they chose to go their own way.

This is folly. Whatever we think we might miss out on, God will give us much more. But this is conditional on us obeying the Lord.

Following Jesus is not about what we get out of it. It is about a lifestyle, a lifelong path of dedication to the Lord. We do life His way, not our own way.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the calling you have placed on my life. Please help me to be obedient to you in all things Amen