Today's reading is from Numbers 29-33
In Numbers 32 we see the request of the tribes of Gad and Reuben to stay where they are and not cross over with the rest of the people. At first Moses is upset, believing they are seeking to disobey God and desert their fellow Israelites. The tribes of Gad and Reuben make it clear that though they want to stay they have no intentions of leaving their fellow Israelites without help. They promise and eventually deliver the needed help when the time comes.
What stands out is two things Moses first reaction and Gad and Reuben’s faithfulness. The reaction of Moses is understandable. It looks like these people have got what they want and are ready to leave everyone else to do for themselves. However, Moses reaction was wrong. He jumped to a conclusion, which let’s be honest most of us have done on occasion. We see a sound bite from a political figure we don’t like and formulate an entire reason new reason to continue our dislike, without hearing the whole story. This isn’t just true in American politics but around the world and most are quick to point out when those who disagree with them do it but fail to see it in themselves. Let me just say, we should do better and move on.
What I really appreciate in this chapter is the attitude of the tribes of Gad and Reuben to continue fighting even though they have what they wanted. They keep their commitments even though it would gain them nothing more. The only thing that they could get by going to war is death, except for one little thing which I think is worth a fortune: honor. They would keep their word. Even if it might hurt them. I am reminded of the person who can come onto God’s holy mountain in Psalms 15 who “who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind” (verse 4b). This is the kind of person we all need to be.
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