Are you just sitting around when there is a holy war raging?

“Transjordan” refers to the land east of the Jordan River (where Reuben and Gad wanted to settle). This seems to be a name given to the region by the Hebrews—the Hebrew word means “rugged.” These are the highlands and mountain slopes that are very conducive to grass growth—not fields suitable for farming, so no competition, but the mountains would cause cloud buildup that led to more rain than usual, funneling down the slopes where the grasses could easily grow. Perfect for herds.

Whether or not Reuben and Gad saw claiming the east side of the Jordan as an easy way out of war is immaterial—their brothers did. All the Israelites were on pins and needles about who would be the next to break the covenant. This passage is about their efforts to insist on their commitment to all of Israel and Moses’ demands for accountability. We, too, should care about how our accountability affects others.

Moses told them in Numbers 32:6-7 'Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, “Should your fellow Israelites go to war while you sit here? Why do you discourage the Israelites from crossing over into the land the Lord has given them?'

Moses' words to the tribes are true for us today as well.

Think of the battlefield! Many have stood for the truth in the past, finding their way out of the religious creeds and systems concocted by man and turning to the Scriptures, the Word of God alone. Also, standing firm on God's Rock, they 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.

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!

This is the 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 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 other believers 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?

Application Questions:

Are you in the army of Christ, actively engaged in the service of His kingdom, or are you sitting back and enjoying the blessings?

Quote:

This is the only time in history when I get to fight for God. This is the only part of my eternal story when I am actually in the battle. Once I die, I’ll be in celebration mode in a glorified body in a whole different set of circumstances. But this is my limited window of opportunity, and I’m going to fight the good fight for all I’m worth. - Joni Eareckson Tada

Prayer:

Lord, I thank you for reminding me that I am in a war. Help me not to relax but to make sure that I hear your voice and follow You in the battle. Amen.