A Safe Haven

O. T. #482  "A Safe Haven"
March 18, 2015
Joshua 19-Part 2
And their border went up to the sea...  Joshua 19:11

LET IT GLOW

What a view, the seashore. Since our state is not on any coast, the largest body of water I saw as a child was a local lake, until I visited my sister, who took us to the Gulf of Mexico. It was amazing to watch the waves coming in to shore. (Swimming in salt water was not too pleasant, though.) We saw fishing boats and shrimp boats secured at the shore. Oh, I remember that fishy smell, too. Well, the third allotment of the Promised Land was noted for its haven for ships. Let's look at the rest of this chapter.

The third lot fell on the tribe of Zebulun (Leah's son). Of course, most of the tribes of Israel had a waterfront boundary on the Mediterranean Sea. However, Jacob's prophecy concerning this son, written in Genesis 49:13 NIV, said, Zebulun will live by the seashore and become a haven for ships, his border will extend toward Sidon.

Trading ships came to its shores, as well as fishing ships on the Sea of Galilee. (Matthew Henry)

It sounds important to me.

Webster's Dictionary defines haven as a place of safety.

Do you need a haven of rest? A place where you feel safe? Jesus is waiting for you.
Can others come to us for a safe haven and find love, encouragement, and peace when they need it?

LET IT GROW

There were some notable and famous places located in this land of Zebulun:

• Mount Carmel, where God showed Himself sovereign when Elijah challenged the idol of Baal;
• Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ;
• Mount Tabor, the place of the Transfiguration;
• Nazareth, where Jesus spent much of His time, as He was called Jesus of Nazareth;
• the Sea of Galilee, the location of miracles and sermons of Jesus were experienced. (Matthew Henry)

Is our church going to be remembered in years to come?
For what are we noted?
Will others experience God as He works in our life?

LET IT GO

Seek Jesus as my haven of rest and safety.

Be a haven for others who need a place of peace to go.

Let others see and hear about Jesus working in my life.