Bible Thoughts

February 7, 1999

The promised land was being distributed among the tribes of Israel. They were given the land according to their need, all under the directions of God. While they were slaves, they had nothing. Now they had the potential of being prosperous, with blessings that came from Jehovah. All of them should accept what God had so mercifully and graciously granted them in conquering the new land. Unfortunately, it is difficult to satisfy everybody.

The children of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, had been given their fair share of the land. Calling themselves a "great people," they asked for more than was necessary for their tribe(s). What they needed to do was accept the gift of Jehovah and make the efforts to maximize the use of the land. What they had was sufficient; they were to make the most of it.

Joshua pointed out to the complainers, "If thou be a great people, get thee up to the forest, and cut down for thyself there in the land..."(Joshua 17:15). It would be up to the descendants of Joseph to enlarge and enrich their inheritance by their own power and efforts. In fact, Joshua reminds them again that "Thou art a great people, and hast great power"(v. 17). He told them they could cut down the forest, drive out the Canaanites and have the land they believed they should possess. By using what they had they could achieve their desire.

The tribe of Joseph is being given an opportunity to develop with their own power the land they desired. It would be a challenge to them; it would make better men and women of them by meeting the challenge. Rather than having something given to them for which they did not work, they could tackle the clearing of woods and make fertile ground for their cattle and their crops. How satisfying that would be as they completed this challenge and looked back upon the work of their own hands. There is something about completing a task that lifts spirits and refreshes souls.

The tribe of Joseph is being handed an opportunity to set a worthy example to the rest of the tribes. Instead of standing around complaining about what they did not have, they could go to work and improve what they already possessed. As Paul told the servants at Colosse, "Whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men"(Colossians 3:23). Is this not a lesson for us? How many never reach their full potential in the service of Christ because they stood around and complained instead of going to work?

The energy that it takes to complain(and find someone who will listen) could well be used in a positive manner in the service of the Almighty. There are brethren and sisters that have many talents in many different areas. All of these should be used to the praise and glory of God. One may not possess the number of talents that are observed in others, but that is no reason for anyone not to use what they have.

Jesus taught a lesson on talents in Matthew 25. The talents were not natural abilities, but funds given to the targeted servants. The talents were distributed on the basis of each one's "several ability"(v. 15). Each was expected to increase the value of the talents awarded. For two of the servants, they doubled the funds. The third one, who had less to increase than the others, hid the one talent in the earth. When the master returned, each had to give an account of what they did with what they were entrusted. For the two who had used what they had, rewards followed. For the one who failed, there was only punishment. Jesus stated it this way, "For unto every that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away"(v. 29).

Each Christian has power in the talents and blessings that Jehovah has given. For some, they possess more talents than the rest. However, all Christians do have talents; all Christians are to develop those talents. One is not excused because others may have been blessed with more abilities and opportunities. God is not concerned with what you would do if you had his/her talents; He is concerned with you fully utilizing what you have!