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Lessons from Lists

Clark Beck | Joshua 15–22 | April 12, 2026

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The big thing I want you to see from this entire portion of scripture is how God knows every single person and family that belongs to him.

In Joshua 15–22, we see God allotting an inheritance to each tribe — sometimes with specific people mentioned, other times with just cities listed where the clans of that tribe would live. He provided for the leaders, for the priests, and for those who needed justice. He provided for women, and he provided for those both near and far away. Everyone was accounted for. God knows his people, and he is laying out an inheritance for them.

In the book of Revelation, those written in the book of life belong to the Lord. God keeps a record of his people. He knows us, he loves us, and he’s preparing a place for us. The allotment of inheritances in these chapters is a foreshadowing of how God is going to allot an inheritance for us in the new earth. God’s love is displayed through lists. So let’s learn some lessons from these lists.

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Springs in the Desert

In Chapter 15, Caleb’s daughter Achsah receives land in the dry Negeb. Rather than despising her inheritance, she boldly asks her father for the upper and lower springs — and he gives her both: a double blessing.

There is no place, no season in life, no circumstance where God leaves his people without springs of water. Even if you are in a dry and weary land, you have a source of spiritual water available to you in Christ by his Spirit.

If you are asking, “God, why is this the life you’ve given me? Why is this my inheritance?” — I encourage you instead to ask like Achsah: “Father, since you have brought me to this dry place, give me the upper and lower springs.” Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well: “The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” So don’t despise your desert place. Rather, go to your Father and ask him to turn your arid land into pools of water.

Courage for Greater Things

In Chapters 16–17, the daughters of Zelophehad boldly come before Eleazar and Joshua to claim the inheritance God commanded Moses to give them. God highly values women! This right to inheritance for daughters points forward to our inheritance in Christ, which belongs equally to men and women. In Galatians, Paul writes that in Christ, there is neither male nor female — we all share in him as sons of God, heirs to the kingdom with Christ.

Then Joshua challenges the people of Joseph: they want more land, but they have to fight for it. Sometimes a greater inheritance requires the courage to face your strongest enemies. How many of us want more spiritual authority, more influence, more of God — but we are unwilling to fight the spiritual battles in front of us?

Take Your Inheritance

In Chapters 18–19, seven tribes still haven’t claimed their inheritance. Joshua asks them: “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God has given you?” Many of us need to hear that same question today. There are things God has given you spiritually that you need to lay hold of. Paul wrote to Timothy: “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” So get up and take your inheritance in Christ. Don’t just sit around, living in defeat or in the past.

Justice, Refuge, and Rest

Chapter 20 gives us the cities of refuge — places where those who unintentionally took a life could flee for protection. We can see in the death of the high priest a symbol of the death of Jesus Christ, which atoned for our sins. Because of his death and resurrection, we have a way to go back home to our Father.

Then Chapter 21 closes with this stunning summary: “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” Every single one. That’s our hope. Our entire faith rests on the promises of God, and his word will accomplish what it sets out to do. Paul tells us: “All the promises of God find their Yes in him.” In Christ, your sins are forgiven, your guilt is removed, your shame set aside, and your debt canceled. In him, every enemy has been defeated. Don’t lose heart — you always have a reason to hope.

Remember Those Who Are Far Off

In Chapter 22, the eastern tribes build an altar of remembrance so future generations would not forget that they, too, have a portion in Israel. We need to remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who are far off. We need to remember that all Christians share in the inheritance of faith we have in Christ Jesus. Let us find ways to tell future generations of God’s great work.

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The Lesson from All These Lists

I would encourage you to make lists. Make lists of those you want to remember in prayer. Make lists of those we support in other nations. Make lists of your family and friends. Then pray for them. We show so much love through lists. We care best for those we keep track of.

God cares for each one of us in particular. Leave this morning assured of his love, confident in his promises, and resting in his grace.