​Smile, you're on display.

Scripture:
The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan River near Jericho, east of the springs of Jericho, through the wilderness and into the hill country of Bethel. From Bethel (that is, Luz) it ran over to Ataroth in the territory of the Arkites. Then it descended westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as Lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer and over to the Mediterranean Sea.
Joshua 16:1-3 NLT

Application:
Why was the positioning of the Jewish nation's land so important? Maybe the reason lies in its location between mighty Egypt in Africa and the gateway to what we now call Turkey, which in turn was the gateway to the West. It was a crucial trading route (recall Joseph's brothers selling him to passing traders?). A military passageway. Highly visible and remains such. The prior occupiers were highly visible and highly evil, practicing abominations that the commercial and military world could see, mimick, and export. Taking this land from pagan child sacrificers and giving it to sanctified God worshippers could display to the world how everyone should live in righteousness with God and toward each other.
Maybe that was the plan.
But because Israel descended into the same pagan lifestyle, it seemed only right for them to be exiled and have this precious land taken away. Indeed, many of these Jewish tribes did acts worse than the prior and surrounding pagans! God's heart must have been, and remains, broken.
We should learn from Israel's mistakes. Christians are on display. Let's show the world the proper Way.

Prayer:
Father God, we pray that our words and deeds reflect Your love toward this messed up world. Maybe they'll learn something. Amen.