8 November Numbers 34

God has a spiritual inheritance for each one of us.

Numbers 34:17-18 (NIV) “These are the names of the men who are to assign the land for you as an inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. And appoint one leader from each tribe to help assign the land”.

Numbers 34:29 (NIV) “These are the men the Lord commanded to assign the inheritance to the Israelites in the land of Canaan”.

God told Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and ten men from different tribes to divide the land of Canaan among the people of Israel. God is still looking for leaders with faith and courage, like Eleazar and Joshua, to guide others in finding their spiritual blessings. Eleazar was known for his faith and purity, and Joshua for his faith, bravery, and loyalty. If we want to serve God, we should aim to have the same qualities.

The Bible is full of references to the inheritance believers have in Christ, here are three confirmations:

Ephesians 1:11 (ESV) In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.

Hebrews 9:15 (ESV) Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

John Calvin once preached this: "We do not have the full enjoyment of it at present. . . . We walk . . . in hope, and we do not see the thing as if it were present, but we see it by faith. . . . Although, then, the world gives itself liberty to trample us under foot, as they say; although our Lord keeps us tried with many temptations; although he humbles us in such a way that it may seem we are as sheep appointed to the slaughter, so that we are continually at death’s door, yet we are not destitute of a good remedy. And why Seeing that the Holy Spirit reigns in our hearts, we have something for which to give praise even in the midst of all our temptations. . . . [Therefore,] we should rejoice, mourn, grieve, give thanks, be content, wait" - from (John Calvin’s Ephesian sermons, delivered in Geneva, 1558—59).

In conclusion, just as God provided a physical inheritance for the Israelites in the land of Canaan, He has a spiritual inheritance prepared for each one of us through Christ. This inheritance, promised in the Scriptures, is not just a future hope but a present reality we experience through faith. While we may face trials, temptations, and hardships in this life, our true inheritance is secure, eternal, and kept in heaven for us. As we follow in the footsteps of leaders like Eleazar and Joshua, let us live with faith and courage, trusting that God’s promises will never fade or perish.

Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are called to walk in hope, knowing that even in our struggles, God is working all things according to His purpose. As John Calvin reminded us, we may endure suffering and trials, but we have every reason to rejoice and give thanks, for our spiritual inheritance in Christ is secure. Let us remain steadfast, faithful, and full of hope as we await the fullness of God’s promises to be revealed.