Two thoughts struck me while meditating on these chapters. First, over and over again the tribe of Levi as priests of God only received their portion of sacrifices, towns to live in with pastureland for their herd, and had their basic needs met as they served God by representing the people to him. BUT they actually also received the best, the greatest inheritance that was given them in l3:33b: “the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.” What an allotment!

As priests of God today (1 Peter 2:5, 9), He is our portion and all we need. Unfortunately, many church-goers want to “claim” riches, possessions, health, success, believing children, anything and everything from the Lord not recognizing HE is the greatest portion.

The second thought was very familiar to me (14:6-15) because for years my husband Van and I have prayed that the Lord would make us like Caleb. You see, he had been one of the 12 spies, along with Joshua, sent out by Moses to view the Promised Land. However, they were the only two who believed God’s words that this land was theirs, flowing with milk and honey, and that takeover of their “promised land” was assured. Now after the “wilderness experience,” Caleb still believes God whole-heartedly and requests the giants’ property, the hill country! He recounts the Lord’s promise to him of this land when he was 40 years old. At age 85, he states that he’s “as strong and vigorous now as then” and with the Lord’s help, he would drive those giants out! In 14b, we hear again that Caleb was whole-heartedly following the Lord. What a blessing and example to us.

Lord, Van and I are only 72. May we continue to demonstrate our faith, commitment and service to you as we battle giant strongholds today.

Doesn’t this prove you’re never too old? With God, all things are possible!

Sherry Van Huisen, Panama City Beach, Fla.