How do you like the fact that the Levites had no inheritance of land among the other 11 tribes (except for a few cities and their surrounding farmland)—because God was their inheritance?

“But to tribe of Levi alone Moses gave no inheritance; the Lord God of Israel is their inheritance” (Joshua 13:33).

Would that sit well with you if you were a Levite? Or would you feel cheated?

This is perhaps a question best discretely left hanging, for your private rumination.

Then again, it is actually the question we are each faced with many times a day: What would you prefer, a pat on the back from your pastor for staying after church to put the chairs away? Or a “well done, good and faithful servant” from God for doing it in secret? Would you prefer to “find yourself in the world” to chart a course for a prestigious career? Or to give it all up to serve your husband—and hear a “well done, good and faithful servant” from God? Would you prefer getting an extra paid essay under your belt today? Or meeting that neighbor who needs to talk—plus a “well done, good and faithful servant” from God?

Or have you even gotten to the point where the choice of God is not a sacrifice? Have you gotten to the place where you have stepped into obedience enough times, and chosen the way of faith often enough, that you have learned a very cool secret—that the joy is immediate and the deepening intimacy with God is something you wouldn’t trade for all the olive oil in Asher?

“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance” (Psalm 16:5-6).

Read the next part in this series.

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