SCRIPTURE: Numbers 32
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
At first Moses is not impressed by what the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh ask – to take the land on the east side of the Jordan. What he hears them asking, and what he gets so angry about, is basically to stop before entering the land. Moses reminds them how the previous generation also refused to enter the land – and therefore were denied entry. But Moses misunderstands the request. They are prepared to fight with their brothers in the land, only they want the land east of the Jordan for their inheritance.
The land must have been good, enough to entice them to want to stay. Moses is rightly concerned that they might be getting distracted by the good land, and forgetting God and their fellow Israelites. Although these tribes were not considering abandoning God and their people, it is a natural assumption on Moses’ part. After all, it is human nature. Jesus encountered a would-be follower that wanted to put off the commitment, at least until his dad died: “Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” [Luke 9:61-62] This guy is not being asked to skip out on his dad’s funeral; he was making an excuse – not now, wait until later when my dad dies.
As I read this passage, I wonder whether there was something that I am hanging on to, that I am trying to cling to while still following the Lord. These tribes were eventually led astray by the gods of Moab; their desire for the good land eventually became their downfall. Or like Lot’s wife, there was something that was holding them back, something they kept looking back to [Genesis 19:26].
What am I hanging on to, that I won’t let go of? What attachment is holding me back from receiving all that the Lord wants to give me. Although these tribes were determined to fulfill their obligations to help Israel take the land, this compromise eventually opened the way for their fall. We may think we can ‘handle’ a compromise, that we can still follow God and cling to our worldly attachments. But we will soon discover how easy it is to “look back” and lose our way. “Remember Lot’s wife!” [Luke 17:32]
PRAYER:
Lord, I can think of something that I need to let go of, something that is holding me back. Help me to be fit for service in the kingdom, and let it go!
Here we go again. Before entering the promised land, the land to be given by God, their eyes were satisfied by seeing what they saw before they crossed into the region God was going to give them. Oh be careful little eyes what you see. Once again, they doubted the promise of God’s goodness and faithfulness. They saw the error of their way after Moses explained what had happened to their fathers. How quickly we forget! How quickly we serve our self interests rathet than looking also after the interests of others. Selfishness.
How quick do I forget the ways of the Lord and go my own way. How often do I place myself in first place rather than God. How often do I not live for self rather than live in the JOY of the Lord? Jesus Others Yourself! As Moses brought the tribes back to rightful living, may God use His Spirit, His Word and others to keep me walking in His light in the way I should go. Open my ears and eyes Lord.
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve thee to the end;
Be thou for ever near me,
My Master and my Friend:
I shall not fear the battle
If thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If thou wilt be my guide.
O let me feel thee near me:
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
O let me hear thee speaking
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me,
To hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
Thou guardian of my soul.