Keep Going, Keep Growing

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Number 32-33

Abbreviated Reading: Numbers 32

God has given us exceedingly great and precious promises! (2 Pt 1:4). Like Israel, He has promised to take us to a promised land and provide for us along the way. But also like Israel, there are battles we face and enemies to defeate.  In today’s reading we find the Gadites and Reubenites discouraging the other tribes of Israel from crossing over the Jordan and continuing to take possession of the Promised Land.

Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the Lord has given them? Numbers 32:7

The Gadites and Reubenites had found a comfortable stopping point that side of the Jordan and were prepared to settle down, but there was more territory to conquer. Moses was concerned and warned them that their stopping short of the final goal would discourage the others from continuing on.

What a poignant picture of our Christian life! There are numerous lessons we can take from this one situation – but here is what struck me most:

As Christians there are gray areas and liberties we can decide to exercise (Gal 5; Rom 14). These areas pose tempting stopping points in our Christian walk, but there is more "promised land" that we won’t see, victories we won’t claim, and riches we won’texperience if we settle in and put our “roots down” and grow attached to this world – the land this side of the Jordan!

If we stop “conquering land” and taking control of territories in our own hearts – like Moses’ concern, we may tempt those around us to stop as well.

How much more satisfied, more fulfilled, more adventurous we’ll be as we decide to cross over the Jordan and leave those areas behind and discover the fullness and vastness of the Promised Land.

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©