They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephriam but are required to do forced labor.
However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely.
The Levites, however, do not get a portion among you, because the priestly service of the Lord is their inheritance.
From Joshua 16-18 NIV
God's command, to drive out completely the inhabitants of the land, was not followed. To this day, the people of God face challenges due to that fact. One might suspect that a temporary lightening of the communities burden was noted due to subjecting the remaining Canaanites to forced labor. That temporary lightening of the load, or perhaps short term gain, is not balanced with the long term pain from not following God's command. In making decisions, often the decision that is easiest in the short term, has a more difficult long term outcome.
Consider that the Levites are given as their inheritance service to the Lord, and as a result, do not get a portion. Work for hands to do is a gift from the Lord. We should be thankful for the gifts we have, for we are all parts of one by and have different gifts from the Spirit.
How do you look at short term and long term effects when you are making a decision?
What do you do, and how can others tell you are serving? Can others tell that you are serving the Lord?
Pray for wisdom and the Spirit's guidance during decision moments.
In Christ,
David P
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