Numbers 32.18-19 NIV
“We will not return to our homes until every one of the children of Israel has received his inheritance. For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has fallen to us on this eastern side of the Jordan.”
The leaders of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh approached Moses with a proposition. They wanted to claim their property inheritance in the region of the Transjordan, on the east side of the Jordan River. Moses immediately misunderstood their request and compared them to the ten spies who, forty years earlier, gave a discouraging report and convinced an entire generation to forsake God. He branded them a “brood of sinners” and warned…
“We will not return to our homes until every one
To that offer, Moses agreed.
“If you turn away from following Him, He will once more abandon
them in the wilderness, and you will destroy all these people.”
Numbers 32.15 NASU
But the leaders of Reuben, Gad, and east Manasseh stood their ground, promising to assist their brothers before claiming their own new territory.
“We will not return to our homes until every one
of the children of Israel has received his inheritance.”
To that offer, Moses agreed.
God has a home for you. It’s in heaven. Jesus promised…
“There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home….
I’m on my way to get your room ready.”
John 14.2 “The Message”
But you can’t go there yet. Your home is ready and your inheritance is secure. You will soon enjoy eternity on the “eastern side of the Jordan,” in an eternal land flowing with milk and honey, but for now there’s still work to be done here in the land of promise. You must help others inherit their possession before you can have yours. When your work is done, then you can go home.
Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh would not claim their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan until “every one of the children of Israel… received his inheritance” on the west side of the river.
They could not go home until the work was done. Neither can you. Your work on earth is not finished. You have an eternity to rest in the loving arms of Jesus. Until then, stay busy in the work of advancing the kingdom of God on earth. Your sisters and brothers need you.
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3 comments:
powerful.
thought provoking.
Interesting how you can answer a question and create so many questions all at the same time.
Ruth and I pray daily for a friend who is the last of her family. Last year she said good-by to her two adult children. You know the question she asks.
Why do some finish their task so early and others take a life time to finish?
What a incredible burden for your friend to bear. There are many unanswered questions in a situation like that. Thanks for sharing. I appreciate your spirit, brother.
I just re-read this line and it really jumped out.
"You must help others inherit their possession before you can have yours. When your work is done, then you can go home."
That's so true! I don't know how I know that, but it resonates.
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