Plunder

Throughout the years, I have been blessed to have many, many people praying for me and over me.  My twenties were pretty tough and there was a darkness around me that was almost palpable.  I am so thankful for those of you that loved me through some pretty unlovely times, and more importantly thanks be to God for showing me over the last several years the purposes of those struggles.  I am so grateful.

For those of you who battled with me, and continue to do so, I smiled with delight as I pondered Joshua 22:6-8.

Since the Israelites are always wandering somewhere or another, let me take a moment to orientate you to where we are in their journey.   The Israelites have wrapped up their 40 years of desert wandering; God has given them the land he swore to their forefathers, and now it is time for everyone to take a breather from the battles, and rest (Joshua 21:43-44).

Prior to crossing into Canaan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh asked for their inheritance to be on the east side of the Jordan because the land was good for raising livestock (Numbers 32:1).  For simplicity’s sake (and to keep my fingers from having to type that out) let us refer to them as the “Eastern Posse.”

Moses obliged their request on one condition:  their families could settle there, but the fighting men would battle alongside their brothers until the land west of the Jordan was settled.  All of them said, “Amen,” and it was a done deal.

Fast forward five years and you’ll find yourself in Joshua 22.  Joshua is now in charge of the people and, being the awesome leader that he is, honors Moses’ promise to send the Eastern Posse home to be with their families and get some well-deserved rest.

He sends them on their way with a great amount of wealth (a.k.a plunder, or if you speak Pirate, loot and booty).  Now, don’t miss this:  The EPs gathered plunder when they fought for their brothers.  They took large quantities of livestock, silver, gold, bronze, iron and clothes (praise the Lord that clothing is plunder!).

Are you going to battle for someone?  If so, then press on because I believe when we fight alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ, when we petition the throne with them and for them, we get to share in their victories and in their blessings. This is our plunder.

Celebrating victories and the answers God provides with those we love is some of the sweetest plunder we will ever receive.