"For I have given you the land to possess it" (v. 53). After some 400 years of oppression in Egypt (Gen. 15:13, Exodus 12:40–41) and now wondering almost aimlessly, it seems, in the wilderness, the children of Israel now saw a glimmer of hope. They were that much closer to all Moses had said from the time of the exodus. But it was not without condition. Before they could take possession of Canaan, they had to "force out all the people who live there, get rid of all their stone and metal idols, and destroy all their places of worship" (v. 52 GW). Further instructions were also given on how to divide the land when they took ownership, and the consequences they would face if they did not follow God's instructions.
Many sermons have been preached on this passage, ad nauseum. But it has always been a form of motivation to most regarding taking charge of what God has given to our care. Unfortunately, less is preached about the work that is involved 'pre' and 'post' possession. God wanted Canaan to be a place unto himself, occupied by a people unto Himself. He did not want it to look like its previous inhabitants with their ungodly pictures and images. This land belonged to God, and He wanted it to reflect His glory. But there was work to be done in order for the people to "dwell therein" (v. 53).
“Counting the cost” means recognizing and agreeing to some terms first. In following Christ, we cannot simply follow our own inclinations. We cannot follow Him and the world’s way at the same time (Matthew 7:13-14). Following Him may mean we lose relationships, dreams, material things, or even our lives. (https://www.gotquestions.org/count-the-cost.html)
Prayer: Thank you Father for my inheritance in you. You have blessed me with so much! But sometimes I place people, places, and things before you. Forgive me for sometimes following my own ways and not submitting to your ways. Amen!