So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?” Joshua 18:3
Following Joshua’s removal of all the significant military threats to the Israelites, the tribes were to possess all the land. The tribes were slow in taking up this responsibility. In fact “there were still seven Israelite tribes who had not yet received their inheritance” (verse 2). So Joshua brings them altogether (verse 1), exhorts them and organises a plan. He sent out men to survey the land and on their return cast lots. In this way, the land divisions were completed.
Joshua wasn’t only a good military leader, he was also a good administrator. Sometimes in our churches, the gift of administration is underrated. The more upfront gifts of preaching, teaching and worship leading are given greater prominence. People who ensure the bills are paid, the building maintained and service preparations are completed, are often overlooked. Yet these roles are important. The church is a body where everyone has a part to play.
Joshua empowers these tribes by getting them organised. When the gift of administration is used well, this is what happens. People are equipped because they’re clear on what their tasks are and how this fits into the greater plan.
Some prefer a more spontaneous or relaxed approach to church activities. While this is good on occasions, it doesn’t work in the long term. We wouldn’t like a boss who paid us spontaneously or only when they felt like it. Similarly, God doesn’t allow the sun to rise and set on a whim.
When we take the time to be organised God can increase our effectiveness.
