Joshua 21: Reversing the Curse: How 48 Cities Means Grace

Welcome to chapter by chapter for your Welcome to chapter by chapter for your journey through the greatest book given journey through the greatest book given journey through the greatest book given to the human race, the word of God, the to the human race, the word of God, the to the human race, the word of God, the Bible. We get to go through it chapter Bible. We get to go through it chapter Bible. We get to go through it chapter by chapter. 7 minutes a day and 7 days a by chapter. 7 minutes a day and 7 days a by chapter. 7 minutes a day and 7 days a week. Join us each day and share it with week. Join us each day and share it with week. Join us each day and share it with others so they can join this journey others so they can join this journey others so they can join this journey that will be life-changing. We'll stop that will be life-changing. We'll stop that will be life-changing. We'll stop at unexpected places on the journey and at unexpected places on the journey and at unexpected places on the journey and be challenged. Some verses will create be challenged. Some verses will create be challenged. Some verses will create awe and wonder. We'll have chapters that awe and wonder. We'll have chapters that awe and wonder. We'll have chapters that will be instructive and in others we'll will be instructive and in others we'll will be instructive and in others we'll find joy and comfort. We'll occasionally find joy and comfort. We'll occasionally find joy and comfort. We'll occasionally be convicted and want to change but all be convicted and want to change but all be convicted and want to change but all in all the journey will be worth it. in all the journey will be worth it. in all the journey will be worth it. Once in a while we may take a detour on Once in a while we may take a detour on Once in a while we may take a detour on the journey and hear from some of God's the journey and hear from some of God's the journey and hear from some of God's servants on their favorite passages from servants on their favorite passages from servants on their favorite passages from a chapter of scripture and let them give a chapter of scripture and let them give a chapter of scripture and let them give you their insight. Every journey needs a you their insight. Every journey needs a you their insight. Every journey needs a small detour occasionally. The best way small detour occasionally. The best way small detour occasionally. The best way to get the most from this podcast is to get the most from this podcast is to get the most from this podcast is read the chapter we're discussing before read the chapter we're discussing before read the chapter we're discussing before or after. It's his word that transforms. or after. It's his word that transforms. or after. It's his word that transforms. You'll find more and see more than I can You'll find more and see more than I can You'll find more and see more than I can ever articulate. Welcome to chapter by ever articulate. Welcome to chapter by ever articulate. Welcome to chapter by chapter and today's chapter is Joshua chapter and today's chapter is Joshua chapter and today's chapter is Joshua 21, reversing the curse. How 48 cities 21, reversing the curse. How 48 cities 21, reversing the curse. How 48 cities means grace. means grace. means grace. After his conversion at age 33, C.S. After his conversion at age 33, C.S. After his conversion at age 33, C.S. Lewis became and still is one of the Lewis became and still is one of the Lewis became and still is one of the great Christian authors over the great Christian authors over the great Christian authors over the decades. From Mere Christianity, the decades. From Mere Christianity, the decades. From Mere Christianity, the Narnia series and a host of other works, Narnia series and a host of other works, Narnia series and a host of other works, his iconic writings have changed his iconic writings have changed his iconic writings have changed countless lives. 20 years after his countless lives. 20 years after his countless lives. 20 years after his seismic conversion that shocked Oxford, seismic conversion that shocked Oxford, seismic conversion that shocked Oxford, he writes to a friend at age 53.

he writes to a friend at age 53. he writes to a friend at age 53. The letter described an awakening in his The letter described an awakening in his The letter described an awakening in his heart of grace. heart of grace. heart of grace. Lewis described the difference between Lewis described the difference between Lewis described the difference between an intellectual understanding an intellectual understanding an intellectual understanding that our sins are forgiven versus the that our sins are forgiven versus the that our sins are forgiven versus the real experience. real experience. real experience. This is what Lewis wrote. During the This is what Lewis wrote. During the This is what Lewis wrote. During the past year a great joy has befallen me. past year a great joy has befallen me. past year a great joy has befallen me. Difficult though it is, I shall try to Difficult though it is, I shall try to Difficult though it is, I shall try to explain this in words. It's astonishing explain this in words. It's astonishing explain this in words. It's astonishing that sometimes we say we believe but that sometimes we say we believe but that sometimes we say we believe but really in our heart we do not believe. really in our heart we do not believe. really in our heart we do not believe. For a long time I believed in the For a long time I believed in the For a long time I believed in the forgiveness of my sins but suddenly this forgiveness of my sins but suddenly this forgiveness of my sins but suddenly this truth appeared in my mind in such a truth appeared in my mind in such a truth appeared in my mind in such a clear light that I perceived it like clear light that I perceived it like clear light that I perceived it like never before. And that after many never before. And that after many never before. And that after many confessions and absolutions that I had confessions and absolutions that I had confessions and absolutions that I had believed it with my whole heart. So believed it with my whole heart. So believed it with my whole heart. So great is the difference between mere great is the difference between mere great is the difference between mere affirmation by the intellect and that affirmation by the intellect and that affirmation by the intellect and that faith fixed in the very marrow and as it faith fixed in the very marrow and as it faith fixed in the very marrow and as it were palpable so intense that it can be were palpable so intense that it can be were palpable so intense that it can be felt and touched. I have to say this is felt and touched. I have to say this is felt and touched. I have to say this is Joshua 21. What I thought was just a Joshua 21. What I thought was just a Joshua 21. What I thought was just a distribution of 48 cities to the tribe distribution of 48 cities to the tribe distribution of 48 cities to the tribe of Levi was in actuality an awakening to of Levi was in actuality an awakening to of Levi was in actuality an awakening to grace. The great London pastor D. Martin grace. The great London pastor D. Martin grace. The great London pastor D. Martin Lloyd-Jones once said, "Grace always Lloyd-Jones once said, "Grace always Lloyd-Jones once said, "Grace always gives, sin always takes away." The tribe gives, sin always takes away." The tribe gives, sin always takes away." The tribe of Levi experienced both of these. Sin of Levi experienced both of these. Sin of Levi experienced both of these. Sin took away in Genesis 34, but grace gave took away in Genesis 34, but grace gave took away in Genesis 34, but grace gave back in Joshua 21.

back in Joshua 21. back in Joshua 21. In one of his most powerful sermons, D. In one of his most powerful sermons, D. In one of his most powerful sermons, D. L. Moody shares a poignant story about a L. Moody shares a poignant story about a L. Moody shares a poignant story about a young boy from Newcastle who despite his young boy from Newcastle who despite his young boy from Newcastle who despite his parents' love and care fell into a life parents' love and care fell into a life parents' love and care fell into a life of crime and ultimately faced the harsh of crime and ultimately faced the harsh of crime and ultimately faced the harsh consequences of his sin. After he served consequences of his sin. After he served consequences of his sin. After he served 10 years in prison, he returned home to 10 years in prison, he returned home to 10 years in prison, he returned home to find that his family had been shattered find that his family had been shattered find that his family had been shattered by his sins. He discovered that his by his sins. He discovered that his by his sins. He discovered that his father had died of a broken heart and father had died of a broken heart and father had died of a broken heart and his mother had lost her sanity. This his mother had lost her sanity. This his mother had lost her sanity. This young man's choices illustrates the young man's choices illustrates the young man's choices illustrates the devastating effects of sin and its devastating effects of sin and its devastating effects of sin and its long-term consequences. Moody emphasized long-term consequences. Moody emphasized long-term consequences. Moody emphasized that while the consequences of our that while the consequences of our that while the consequences of our actions may take time to manifest, they actions may take time to manifest, they actions may take time to manifest, they will ultimately come to fruition often will ultimately come to fruition often will ultimately come to fruition often with an overwhelming force. That's what with an overwhelming force. That's what with an overwhelming force. That's what happened to the tribe of Levi and happened to the tribe of Levi and happened to the tribe of Levi and Simeon. Simeon. Simeon. Jacob's family was visited with the Jacob's family was visited with the Jacob's family was visited with the disastrous news of Dinah's rape. disastrous news of Dinah's rape. disastrous news of Dinah's rape. Shechem, the son of Hamor, the prince of Shechem, the son of Hamor, the prince of Shechem, the son of Hamor, the prince of the region, saw her, that is Levi's the region, saw her, that is Levi's the region, saw her, that is Levi's sister, seized her, and raped her. When sister, seized her, and raped her. When sister, seized her, and raped her. When Levi and Simeon found out, they went to Levi and Simeon found out, they went to Levi and Simeon found out, they went to the city, and exacted revenge, and the city, and exacted revenge, and the city, and exacted revenge, and killed every male in that city. Listen killed every male in that city. Listen killed every male in that city. Listen to Genesis 34:25.

to Genesis 34:25. to Genesis 34:25. Simeon and Levi took their swords, Simeon and Levi took their swords, Simeon and Levi took their swords, entered the city without opposition, entered the city without opposition, entered the city without opposition, slaughtered every man there, including slaughtered every man there, including slaughtered every man there, including Hamor and Shechem. They rescued Dinah Hamor and Shechem. They rescued Dinah Hamor and Shechem. They rescued Dinah from Shechem's house, and returned to from Shechem's house, and returned to from Shechem's house, and returned to their camp again. Then all of Jacob's their camp again. Then all of Jacob's their camp again. Then all of Jacob's sons went over and plundered the city sons went over and plundered the city sons went over and plundered the city because their sister had been dishonored because their sister had been dishonored because their sister had been dishonored there. They confiscated all the flocks there. They confiscated all the flocks there. They confiscated all the flocks and herds and donkeys and herds and donkeys and herds and donkeys everything they could lay their hands on everything they could lay their hands on everything they could lay their hands on both inside the city and outside in the both inside the city and outside in the both inside the city and outside in the fields, and took all the women and fields, and took all the women and fields, and took all the women and children and wealth of every kind. Then children and wealth of every kind. Then children and wealth of every kind. Then Jacob said to Levi and Simeon, "You have Jacob said to Levi and Simeon, "You have Jacob said to Levi and Simeon, "You have made me stink among all the peoples of made me stink among all the peoples of made me stink among all the peoples of this land, all the Canaanites and the this land, all the Canaanites and the this land, all the Canaanites and the parasites." parasites." parasites." This action would later bring greater This action would later bring greater This action would later bring greater judgment than a stench among the people judgment than a stench among the people judgment than a stench among the people of the land. Jacob of the land. Jacob of the land. Jacob would prophesy about this anger of his would prophesy about this anger of his would prophesy about this anger of his two sons at his death just 15 chapters two sons at his death just 15 chapters two sons at his death just 15 chapters later. The final words that Levi and later. The final words that Levi and later. The final words that Levi and Simeon would hear from their father is Simeon would hear from their father is Simeon would hear from their father is devastating. This is Genesis 49 verses 5 devastating. This is Genesis 49 verses 5 devastating. This is Genesis 49 verses 5 through 7.

through 7. through 7. Jacob says, "Simeon and Levi are Jacob says, "Simeon and Levi are Jacob says, "Simeon and Levi are brothers. Their swords are implements of brothers. Their swords are implements of brothers. Their swords are implements of violence. Let my soul not enter into violence. Let my soul not enter into violence. Let my soul not enter into their council. Let not my glory be their council. Let not my glory be their council. Let not my glory be united with their assembly cuz in their united with their assembly cuz in their united with their assembly cuz in their anger they slew men, and their self-will anger they slew men, and their self-will anger they slew men, and their self-will they lamed oxen. Cursed be their anger, they lamed oxen. Cursed be their anger, they lamed oxen. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for for it is fierce, and their wrath, for for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruel. I will disperse them in it is cruel. I will disperse them in it is cruel. I will disperse them in Jacob, and I will scatter them in Jacob, and I will scatter them in Jacob, and I will scatter them in Israel." Can you imagine these two boys Israel." Can you imagine these two boys Israel." Can you imagine these two boys hearing these words from the lips of hearing these words from the lips of hearing these words from the lips of Jacob before he died? Jacob before he died? Jacob before he died? It had to be overwhelming to them. It had to be overwhelming to them. It had to be overwhelming to them. Sin really does take away. Took away Sin really does take away. Took away Sin really does take away. Took away their future, and it seems God reverses their future, and it seems God reverses their future, and it seems God reverses the curse by His grace. Sin always the curse by His grace. Sin always the curse by His grace. Sin always takes, and grace always gives, and grace takes, and grace always gives, and grace takes, and grace always gives, and grace is seen is seen is seen in 48 cities. in 48 cities. in 48 cities. I have to admit I was blindsided by I have to admit I was blindsided by I have to admit I was blindsided by Joshua 21 and the grace of God that Joshua 21 and the grace of God that Joshua 21 and the grace of God that gives in abundance. I was reading about gives in abundance. I was reading about gives in abundance. I was reading about the distribution of 48 cities to the the distribution of 48 cities to the the distribution of 48 cities to the tribe of Levi, which was prophesied over tribe of Levi, which was prophesied over tribe of Levi, which was prophesied over them to be dispersed and scattered in them to be dispersed and scattered in them to be dispersed and scattered in Israel, not be given 48 cities for their Israel, not be given 48 cities for their Israel, not be given 48 cities for their flocks of the priesthood. Listen to flocks of the priesthood. Listen to flocks of the priesthood. Listen to Joshua 21:1. Then the heads of the Joshua 21:1. Then the heads of the Joshua 21:1. Then the heads of the households of the Levites approached households of the Levites approached households of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the heads of the households of Nun and the heads of the households of Nun and the heads of the households of the tribes of the sons of Israel. They the tribes of the sons of Israel. They the tribes of the sons of Israel. They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan saying, "The Lord commanded Canaan saying, "The Lord commanded Canaan saying, "The Lord commanded through Moses to give us cities to live

through Moses to give us cities to live through Moses to give us cities to live in with their pasture lands for our in with their pasture lands for our in with their pasture lands for our cattle." So, the sons of Israel gave cattle." So, the sons of Israel gave cattle." So, the sons of Israel gave Levites from their inheritance these Levites from their inheritance these Levites from their inheritance these cities with their pasture lands cities with their pasture lands cities with their pasture lands according to the command of the Lord. A according to the command of the Lord. A according to the command of the Lord. A judged tribe, a cursed tribe, is going judged tribe, a cursed tribe, is going judged tribe, a cursed tribe, is going to be given grace. What happened? The to be given grace. What happened? The to be given grace. What happened? The curse was reversed in Exodus 32. It's a curse was reversed in Exodus 32. It's a curse was reversed in Exodus 32. It's a story how an angry man experiences what story how an angry man experiences what story how an angry man experiences what C.S. Lewis talks about of the awakening C.S. Lewis talks about of the awakening C.S. Lewis talks about of the awakening of grace that changed his future. of grace that changed his future. of grace that changed his future. The story of Aaron making a golden calf The story of Aaron making a golden calf The story of Aaron making a golden calf to be worshipped was a horrible chapter, to be worshipped was a horrible chapter, to be worshipped was a horrible chapter, but with a shining light. Levi's anger but with a shining light. Levi's anger but with a shining light. Levi's anger was used righteously for the first time. was used righteously for the first time. was used righteously for the first time. Instead of revenge filling Levi's heart, Instead of revenge filling Levi's heart, Instead of revenge filling Levi's heart, a godly jealousy did. Levi was used by a godly jealousy did. Levi was used by a godly jealousy did. Levi was used by God to destroy 3,000 idol worshipers in God to destroy 3,000 idol worshipers in God to destroy 3,000 idol worshipers in Israel. Levi was about to experience Israel. Levi was about to experience Israel. Levi was about to experience grace that C.S. Lewis wrote about at age grace that C.S. Lewis wrote about at age grace that C.S. Lewis wrote about at age 53. The tribe that heard from their own 53. The tribe that heard from their own 53. The tribe that heard from their own father that their future would be father that their future would be father that their future would be darkened from their anger would see a darkened from their anger would see a darkened from their anger would see a light break through. God did something light break through. God did something light break through. God did something for Levi in Exodus 32. He showed them for Levi in Exodus 32. He showed them for Levi in Exodus 32. He showed them grace, and grace always gives. Listen to grace, and grace always gives. Listen to grace, and grace always gives. Listen to Exodus 32:29.

Exodus 32:29. Exodus 32:29. Then Moses told the Levites, "Today you Then Moses told the Levites, "Today you Then Moses told the Levites, "Today you have ordained yourself for the service have ordained yourself for the service have ordained yourself for the service of the Lord, for you obeyed him, even of the Lord, for you obeyed him, even of the Lord, for you obeyed him, even though it meant killing your own sons though it meant killing your own sons though it meant killing your own sons and brothers. Now he will give you a and brothers. Now he will give you a and brothers. Now he will give you a great blessing." great blessing." great blessing." Well, [snorts] the great blessing would Well, [snorts] the great blessing would Well, [snorts] the great blessing would be the priesthood and 48 cities in the be the priesthood and 48 cities in the be the priesthood and 48 cities in the land they were supposed to be scattered land they were supposed to be scattered land they were supposed to be scattered in. That scattering would be reversed in. That scattering would be reversed in. That scattering would be reversed into strategic gifts from the other into strategic gifts from the other into strategic gifts from the other tribes. Grace wins. Sin's results are tribes. Grace wins. Sin's results are tribes. Grace wins. Sin's results are devastating, but the grace of God is devastating, but the grace of God is devastating, but the grace of God is greater. greater. greater. It really is true that we can never sin It really is true that we can never sin It really is true that we can never sin so far that God's grace will not reach so far that God's grace will not reach so far that God's grace will not reach us. And at the same time, grace doesn't us. And at the same time, grace doesn't us. And at the same time, grace doesn't leave us there. It raises us up to new leave us there. It raises us up to new leave us there. It raises us up to new heights. heights. heights. I think the last verse of this I think the last verse of this I think the last verse of this incredible chapter sums it all up. This incredible chapter sums it all up. This incredible chapter sums it all up. This is Joshua 21:45. is Joshua 21:45. is Joshua 21:45. "Not one word failed from all the good "Not one word failed from all the good "Not one word failed from all the good words God spoke to the house of Israel. words God spoke to the house of Israel. words God spoke to the house of Israel. Everything came out right." For Levi, Everything came out right." For Levi, Everything came out right." For Levi, everything really did come out right.

everything really did come out right. everything really did come out right. Captain John was just like Levi. Captain John was just like Levi. Captain John was just like Levi. He saw the power of God in his family at He saw the power of God in his family at He saw the power of God in his family at an early age, but decided to live his an early age, but decided to live his an early age, but decided to live his own life. own life. own life. Instead of revenge, he pursued greed. Instead of revenge, he pursued greed. Instead of revenge, he pursued greed. Both Levi and Captain John destroyed Both Levi and Captain John destroyed Both Levi and Captain John destroyed lives and by living for these two lives and by living for these two lives and by living for these two things. Captain John was captain of his things. Captain John was captain of his things. Captain John was captain of his own slave ship that would take families own slave ship that would take families own slave ship that would take families of West African nations and put them in of West African nations and put them in of West African nations and put them in chains chains chains and sell them across the sea. Both of and sell them across the sea. Both of and sell them across the sea. Both of these men destroyed families and cities. these men destroyed families and cities. these men destroyed families and cities. Greed and revenge led these two men. Greed and revenge led these two men. Greed and revenge led these two men. But then Captain John had a moment like But then Captain John had a moment like But then Captain John had a moment like Levi. God would use a storm at sea to Levi. God would use a storm at sea to Levi. God would use a storm at sea to get him back to God. get him back to God. get him back to God. He would get saved and go into the He would get saved and go into the He would get saved and go into the ministry just like Levi. ministry just like Levi. ministry just like Levi. Not long before he died at the age of Not long before he died at the age of Not long before he died at the age of 82, Captain John Newton 82, Captain John Newton 82, Captain John Newton wrote these words to speak about wrote these words to speak about wrote these words to speak about experiencing grace. experiencing grace. experiencing grace. He wrote this song to speak about his 48 He wrote this song to speak about his 48 He wrote this song to speak about his 48 cities of grace. Listen to these words. cities of grace. Listen to these words. cities of grace. Listen to these words. You may recognize them.

You may recognize them. You may recognize them. Amazing grace, Amazing grace, Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch how sweet the sound that saved a wretch how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. like me. like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, blind, blind, but now I see. but now I see. but now I see. Just when you thought there was no hope Just when you thought there was no hope Just when you thought there was no hope for your future, for your future, for your future, here comes God's grace. here comes God's grace. here comes God's grace. Here comes amazing grace. Here comes amazing grace. Here comes amazing grace. Thank you for joining Chapter by Thank you for joining Chapter by Thank you for joining Chapter by Chapter. Every chapter from the greatest Chapter. Every chapter from the greatest Chapter. Every chapter from the greatest book, the Bible, the word of God. 7 book, the Bible, the word of God. 7 book, the Bible, the word of God. 7 minutes a day, 7 days a week. We'll see minutes a day, 7 days a week. We'll see minutes a day, 7 days a week. We'll see you tomorrow.