In Joshua 19 the remaining 6 tribes receive their allotment of land and Joshua receives his inheritance as the Lord commanded; he asked for and received the town of Timnath Sarah in the hill country of Ephraim and built it up and settled there v. 49.

The chapter lists territories, towns and villages and not being a fan of geography, I confess I skimmed most of it. But I kept thinking about what that must have been like for the Israelites and for the people native to that land. We read and quickly skim over the boring bits but they lived it.

I used to wonder what was so special about Jerusalem. Every incoming President affirms their commitment to “peace in the Middle East”. Insert that paragraph here! And yet…

This morning in prayer God reminded me to let go of the way of the world that is temporary…dwell on His Kingdom. God is eternal and there is much to be joyful in.

Today there is violence in Israel just as there has always been in this world. One day Israelis and Palestinians will worship together. Impossible? In this world yes. In God’s Kingdom a promise.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:1-2, 5.

A promise of great redeeming love. In quiet moments today I’m going to try to dwell on what it will be like for everyone in God’s Kingdom. I confess I can’t imagine the particulars, but I can imagine the healing of hearts and minds…the tenderness of God…the love in His eyes…the joy in understanding shared with Him and with each other. I experience that with Him working in me. So much to unlearn…so much to be taught. God is patient. He is kind and His love, not ours, redeems hearts and minds bringing joy and peace in Him and with each other. Your Kingdom come…your will be done…on earth as it is in heaven. Please Lord…let be soon!