Joshua 16 & 17

What stood out today:
16:4 So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance.
10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
17:6 because the daughters of the tribe of Manasseh received an inheritance among the sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the descendants of Manasseh.
12 Yet the Manassites were not able to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region.
13 However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely.
17 But Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh-"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment
18 but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out."

My Response: Jesus, this Promised Land is part of your covenant promise. Yet, although You gave it, Israel still had to fight for it. And there were areas that the Canaanites were determined to keep. Jesus, this makes me think of our lives, my life. What areas of sin are determined to stay? What is my redemptive potential? What difficult areas are yet to be taken, like the “forested hill country?” I love Joshua’s closing remarks: “though they are strong, you can drive them out.” Jesus, nothing is too hard for You. By the power that is in your name I will take hold of Your Promised Land. Land for your daughters too…