“This Shall Be Your Southern Border” (Josh 15:1-19)

So this was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families: The border of Edom at the Wilderness of Zin southward was the extreme southern boundary. And their southern border began at the shore of the Salt Sea, from the bay that faces southward. Then it went out to the southern side of the Ascent of Akrabbim, passed along to Zin, ascended on the south side of Kadesh Barnea, passed along to Hezron, went up to Adar, and went around to Karkaa. From there it passed toward Azmon and went out to the Brook of Egypt; and the border ended at the sea. This shall be your southern border.

First, God determines our borders, giving the land in election and predestination (vs1-4). He determines how great we are, where we will spend eternity, and every instance of life. We read, “This shall be your southern border” (vs4). Nothing is by chance or half man and half God, but on the throne, He does according to His will, giving us Jesus Christ equally, and yet the enjoyment of Christ according to His will. We shine as bright as determined by God. Be thankful that you shine. He could have passed you by. You deserve hell.

Secondly, take the promises of God by faith (vs16-17). Faith is how we get in on what God has predetermined for us. We read, “And Caleb said, He who attacks Kirjath Sepher and takes it, to him I will give Achasah my daughter as wife. So Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it' and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife”. We are not to say, “Predestination means that I do nothing”. We are to repent and believe the gospel, receiving what God gives by faith.

He gives the faith, so that we can trust the Lord for blessings, so that blessings may come.

Thirdly, if we ask, then we'll receive (vs18-19). We read, “She answered, "Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water." So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs”. There is no need to say, “I don't have” and stare at others. We may have all that God gives, and we may say, “What I have thus far is not enough. I want more”. He loves GIVING Christ to those who ask, seek, and knock. This is how you “get” from God.

Finally, the healthy soul asks God's blessing, takes them by faith, and acknowledges ELECTION and predestination caused the whole. We GLORIFY God while pursuing Him.