Numbers 32

Have you ever been working toward accomplishing a difficult goal, but when you get close to finishing, you get content with where you are and stop there? Perhaps you wanted to lose 20 pounds, but you settled for 15. Or, you set out to run a half-marathon, but ten miles in, you say to yourself that’s enough and stop your pursuit. In any of these situations, you are so close to the finish line, but something stops you from crossing over. Such was the case for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Numbers 32. Read their request to Moses below:

Now the people of Reuben and the people of Gad had a very great number of livestock. And they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, and behold, the place was a place for livestock. So the people of Gad and the people of Reuben came and said to Moses and to Eleazar the priest and to the chiefs of the congregation, “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, the land that the LORD struck down before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock.” And they said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession. Do not take us across the Jordan” (vv. 1-5).

On the cusp of entering the Promised Land, two of the twelve tribes (Manasseh’s clan would soon follow) decided they had come far enough and opted to go no further. Maybe their journey had been hard with such large amounts of cattle, so when they saw that the Jazer and Gilead could accommodate their herds, they settled their minds to stop their pilgrimage to Canaan. 

Moses reminded this sect of the Israelites that there were still battles to fight once God’s people crossed the Jordan. Fearful that this attitude of contentment would permeate throughout the camp, he likened their behavior to that of the ten spies who discouraged Israel from going forth to seize the land God had promised them because of the mighty warriors they would encounter along the way. To their credit, the fighting men of Reuben and Gad agree to cross over the Jordan to engage in battle with the rest of the Israelites, but sadly, they did not alter their decision to establish roots short of their true inheritance (vv. 6-17).

The story of these two and a half tribes stopping short of God’s best for them plays out still today in the Christian faith. Take, for instance, a man who makes a public decision to follow Jesus, but as soon as He calls him to move away from all he has ever known to serve in an unknown area, he decides the cost is not worth it. Or, perhaps it’s a young woman who loves the Lord, but when He calls her to submit to her husband, she resists at the expense of a thriving marriage that displays a greater Gospel reality. 

Brothers and sisters, I am not discounting that following Jesus is hard and that it most certainly always seems contrary to the pattern of this world. Nor am I suggesting that daily dying to yourself is not frustrating at times. There may be moments when you question whether you will ever see the fruit of your daily decision to choose the less-popular path, and you may even think about throwing in the towel and giving up. In those instances, you can choose the wide gate and the easy way; however, in the end, you must remember that the broad road leads to destruction. 

But there is a better way! Just like Caleb and Joshua, who stood firm in faith among the majority who doubted God, will soon be able to enjoy the blessings of seeing God’s faithfulness on display, you will be able to embrace life (now and in eternity) by intentionally choosing to enter through the narrow gate. Even if it may not make sense to some or cost you worldly pleasures, be encouraged that you are on the right path. 

May we endeavor to join with Paul, who, as he neared death, penned these words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Stand firm, endure, and do not lose heart, as I know you will see the fulfillment of God’s promises. In due season, you will reap the fruitful harvest of the obedience you’ve sown in faith, and God will be glorified!

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Journal responses to the following prompts:

·       Have you ever settled for less than God’s best for your life? Why did you make that choice? 

·       Have you resolved to finish the race God has set forth for you, no matter the cost?