Prior to Israel's occupation of the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben and
Gad wanted to settle in the land east of the Jordan River. Their request and
Moses' response are found in the book of Numbers, (32:1-27) and have
practical application to our attitudes today with regard to our
responsibilities to God, His purpose, and to our brothers and sisters in
Christ.
The Two Tribes Make a Request
Reuben and Gad were two of the twelve tribes of Israel and had much
livestock. As Israel prepared to cross over the Jordan River and enter into
Canaan to possess it, Reuben and Gad saw that the land of Jazer and Gilead
(the Transjordan) was good for livestock. They determined that rather than
cross the Jordan and settle in that land, they wanted instead to remain on
the eastern side of the Jordan River and settle there (Numbers 32:1). So
they requested to be given the land east of the Jordan as their possession,
and not the lands west of the Jordan with the other ten tribes Numbers
32:2-5).
Moses responded that the request, as it stood, was not fair to the ten
tribes. There were enemies in the land, and so he asked, "Shall your
brothers go to war while you yourselves sit here?” (Numbers 32:6). Moses
knew that the people could be discouraged if their numbers dwindled
significantly (Numbers 32:7). The only reason the lands Reuben and Gad
desired were now safe is because of a united effort of all the people. They
would be no different than the ten spies of the previous generation who had
discouraged Israel by their report and had aroused God's anger. This could
turn out to be very destructive to God's people (Numbers 32:8-15)!
Reuben and Gad then offered to send their warriors to help possess the
Promised Land (Numbers 32:16-19). Moses agreed to this solution, but with a
stern warning. All will be fine if they do as they had promised. However, if
they renege on their promise, Moses said, “But if you will not do so,
behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you
out.” (Numbers 32:20-23).
A War Still Rages Today
We need to understand that Israel was at war. So are we. It is a different
kind of war in which we are engaged; a spiritual war. The New testament
Scriptures put it this way: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war
according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh,
but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying
speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God,
and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ…” (2
Corinthians 10:3-5). It is a spiritual war that requires specialized armor
and weapons. Since it is a war against Satan, and the spiritual forces of
wickedness, the armor and weapons we employ are different from the ones used
by Israel, different, but not without parallel.
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in
the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm
therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the
breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation
of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith
with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the
evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17; see context vss. 10-18)
Application-”Shall You Brothers Go to War While You
Yourselves Sit Here?”
Think of the battlefield! Many have stood for the truth in the past, finding
their way of the religious creeds and systems concocted by man turning to
the Scriptures, the Word of God alone. Once established on such a wonderful
and firm foundation, brethren have withstood new innovations that would lead
them back into the religious apostasies of the past. Also, standing firm on
God's Rock, brethren have rejected the ever changing moral dictates of human
society and culture favoring instead the moral teachings and principles
found in the revelation of God. We, today, are the recipients and
beneficiaries of countless struggles and battles, waged in the hearts of men
and women.
How much should we appreciate the efforts of those in the past to secure and
make known the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the “perfect Law of
Liberty”? We are free to enjoy the blessings of God's family as we look with
fond expectation toward “our promised land”; our “Canaan's Land”; our
”unshakeable heavenly kingdom” . Yes, there is still a “Jordan River” which
we, too, must cross.
But the war wages on!
The battlefield is the heart. Paul wrote that “every thought must be brought
captive to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Jesus once asked what was probably
a rhetorical question about His return. He asked about when He comes again,
will He “find faith upon the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Let us answer, “Yes! If we
have anything to do with it!”
But then, there is another question we would do well to think about as well.
“Shall our brethren go to war while we sit here?” Will I be content to let
others make all the sacrifices and do all the work? Will I expect them to
carry extra oil for their lamps and mine? Will I watch them take the risks
that faith sometimes calls for? Will I see their lights shining forth into a
dark world while I have dimmed my own? Will it be only them, and not me, who
labors in the vineyard, who rebukes and encourages, who shares and serves
with dedication, courage and resolve?
Shall I just sit idly by as my brethren exert themselves by faith? Will I
jealously guard my “comfort zone” doing all I can to ensure that I am not
overly disturbed? Do I really think or expect I can really enjoy all the
wonderful spiritual blessings in Christ for which I will not labor myself?
How can I be filled with peace, hope, joy, love and confidence if I am
willing to sit safely on the other side of the river while others cross over
to meet their obligations to the Lord and His kingdom?
Moses said, “Now why are you discouraging the sons of Israel from crossing
over into the land which the LORD has given them? “ (Numbers 32:7). When we
neglect our responsibility to God and His people, we also discourage our
brethren!
When Reuben and Gad realized the effect of sitting while their brethren went
to war, they immediately made arrangements to do their part. Moses was even
patient with them, allowing them time to care for their families (Numbers
32:24) They in turn promised to do their part in going to war. They
succeeded because they understood that they could not just cast aside their
own responsibilities to God. Let us all, today, realize the same lessons as
we serve our King, Jesus, and fight the good fight of faith.
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From The Bradley Banner 5/18/2008
Published by the Bradley Church of Christ
1505 E. Broadway