There is more than one way to inherit territory. Biblical inheritance is wildly misunderstood and miscommunicated. We base our ideas of it on the western practices of inheritance passed on by death. Many receive an inheritance by gift after death, legally obtaining what once belonged to another. However, taking territory spiritually can have many different forms. And it demands that you have a different spirit.
In the case of Ruth, marrying Boaz caused her to inherit a new culture, a child, property, and land, as well as a lineage leading to King David and then to Jesus Christ. For the daughters of Zelophehad, going to Moses and pleading their cause produced a new law. Where once only the sons could inherit, now daughters could inherit if there were no sons, thereby securing the inheritance for them and the daughters of future generations. In the case of the Levite’s inheritance, they received a calling of service, the stewardship of the house of God, and an entrance into the very presence of God. Instead of land with physical boundaries, God was their continual portion.
Each inheritance was different and attained by various measures. However, Joshua, the next in line from Moses, wrought a promised land and inheritance by battles. A battle most certainly is what most of us think about when we have yet to claim ours.
We feel as though every promise is hidden behind major battle after battle. We dread the thought of another fight, fearing our opponent while bemoaning the process. Often, we complain that it’s taking too long and allow discouragement to take hold of our hearts. Then while sitting in our pity, we give more credit to the opposition by discrediting our own abilities.
But Joshua had a different spirit. He was a man of devotion. First in service to God and then to Moses. When Moses would ascend the mountain, Joshua would remain at the foot of the hill, as close as he was allowed to approach the presence of God. Joshua would even remain when Moses exited the tabernacle, lingering with the Lord. When spying out the land God had promised the children of Israel, Joshua gave a good report. He filled his mouth with faith, and his desire was for obedience. It is no wonder why God chose Joshua to lead His people into their promised land.
If your inheritance lies behind a battle, that isn’t bad news. In fact, if your promised land has you in a season of battles where one comes right after another, that is good news! It’s actually great news! The size and scope of your battles directly correlate to the magnitude of your inheritance. The impact of that promise reaches beyond you. It touches everyone and everything that touches you forever.
In Joshua 10, the children of Israel fought against five kings who had banded together to take them out. But Joshua boldly and without fear annihilates them and then goes on to do the same to the remaining kings of the region.
If you are in battle after battle by God’s command, that’s your sign. You are entering your inheritance. You are taking territory, and you are receiving your promises.
Joshua 10:23-25 So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. When they brought them out, Joshua told the commanders of his army, “Come and put your feet on the kings’ necks.” And they did as they were told. “Do not ever be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua told his men. “Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is going to do this to all of your enemies.”
And I say the same to you. If you are facing a battle the Lord has directed you to fight, then be strong and courageous. Do not ever be afraid or discouraged. Instead, Shout! For God is going to bring you the victory.
