Day 135..."Allotments, Jerusalem, Redemption, Promised Land and Peace"

Chapters fifteen and sixteen of Joshua in great detail describe the allotments of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh. How incredible is all the detail in the geography? After forty years of wandering in the wilderness...the allotments represent home and stabililty. In this week leading up to celebating Jesus' birth, Jerusalem is mentioned by name. The Book of Joshua is the first to name Jerusalem. Praise and blessings are on the Psalmist's mind today and Jerusalem is also mentioned..."Blessed be the Lord from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the Lord!" In Luke we move from allotments to jurisdictions. The promised land of Joshua would become a people and land in need of redemption. Jerusalem is mentioned and this time with Herod who has jurisdiction over Jesus a Galilean. The decision is to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus. All of the events today are in the same region. The human condition seems to constantly be in flux...from promise to the need of redemption. Jesus provides "peace for the soul." Is this not the real promised land? Just a thought for our week leading into Christmas!