March 10 - Numbers 32:1-33:56

Good morning everyone,

As we begin reading this morning we find the Israelites right there on the banks of the Jordan River ready and waiting to take that final step into the Promised Land. But wait! The tribe of Reuben and the tribe of Gad come to Moses and say, "We're good here. There is room for our livestock, opportunity for business, we wish you all well in your journey but, we want to stay here."

Moses tells them, "That's all well and good but it is not just about you. It would be discouraging for the others if you were to just abandon the group effort." To this the men of Reuben and Gad responded, "Just let us get our families settled and then we will go into battle with you and not come back until all the people of Israel have received their portions of land." Moses says, "Fine, if that is what you choose to do. If you keep your word, arm yourselves for the Lord's battles until the Lord has driven out his enemies then you will have fulfilled your duty to the Lord and you can return to the east side of the river. However, if you fail to keep your word, be sure that your sin will find you out." Just briefly notice it says "the LORD will do the driving out of the enemies" also "the SIN will find them out",not God will get them, but their own sin.

My question to all of this is why would they not want all that God has to offer them? Why are they willing to "settle?" Oh my word, each and every bit closer I get to God is so much more amazing than where I was, so why would anyone not want more? It is free for the taking. If you are not moving forward with God you are falling behind. Later in the year when we get to the New Testament we will see that when Jesus comes to the land the tribes of Rueben, Gad and half tribe of Manasseh chose to settle for, it will be filled with demons and pigs, fallen to pagan worship. Ughhh .... so sad.

We are often like that today. We get so comfortable with the way our life is that we don't want to move forward in God. We are happy to help anyone with their ministry to, oh let's just say Russia or Haiti or anywhere. We will collect clothing, money, food, whatever the task is but when it is completed we scurry back to our church on Sunday and occasionally other functions, comfort zone. A zone that rarely sees us opening our Bibles during the week, doing Bible studies, or walking into a mission field ourselves. If we are not moving forward friends, we are in fact moving backwards. You are either closer to God then when you started this journey as a Christian or you are farther away but you are not the same. It is a mistake to think that just because one knows the plan for salvation and basic Bible principals that one can sit on the side lines and cruise through life. Chronicles 16:11 tells us "Seek The Lord and His strength; seek His face continually." and Matthew 28:19 tells us, "Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit"

Reuben and Gad made a huge mistake in separating themselves from the rest of God's flock. They were lone sheep out there and got picked off by the wolves. I would encourage you to not be a wondering sheep, but rather one who flocks and engages with God's people. To also  be more fervent in your quest for God's truth, always striving to make your knowledge of God bigger, your trust stronger, your faith greater than the day before.

I hope you all have a really good day and to Abba be the glory.
God bless you all ...