SCRIPTURE: Numbers 32
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
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]
Jesus encountered a would-be follower that wanted to put off following Him.
The context suggests that these were not legitimate requests, but excuses, postponements.
He was suggesting as compromise, looking back while looking forward, wanting the best of both worlds.
Is this what is happening with the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the Manasseh half?
At first Moses is not impressed by what these tribes 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.
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.
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!
The Lord would give them the land, but where we are is so good. Why not just stay here and rebuild our lives?
And so, they did rebuild but also said that they would fight and reclaim the land for the Lord for the other tribes. Whom are we serving? My own interests or the interests of others? Whose road am I traveling on? Whose promises am I fulfilling?
Once again I see our own interests before the interests of others. Once again I see my way before His way. And God reaches out to His people once again and says – Do this and live!
Who is un first place in my life? Self interests or God’s interests? What is my purpose for this day in all I do and say? Didn’t He make me for moments like this to praise Him? Just do it!
Today God Is First as He must be every day. Help me each day to be GodStrong so that others may see that I am ArmStrong – doing Your will.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.