March 10th

Numbers 32:1-33:56

Moses wrote a review of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Jordan River and all the stops in between. He then reminded the people to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan and to destroy all of their high places, altars, and idols, or else the Canaanites would become “as splinters in their eyes and as thorns in their sides; and they would harass them in the land...” (33:55).

We will come back to these warnings later in the year, because they will be repeated numerous times; but for now, I think the most important story of the day was the request Moses received from the tribes of Reuben and Gad (and later on Manasseh too). While the Israelites camped beside Mt. Nebo, near the Jordan River, rested from their wars and prepared to enter the land of Canaan, a few of the tribes conspired to keep the land they had just won.

The nation, as a whole, had just routed the Amorites, the Moabites, and the Midianites; it seemed logical that someone would need to inhabit their homes, keep their crops, and subdue their land. It also seemed like the perfect place to raise cattle, which was the reason they presented their proposal to Moses. “The land is ideally suited for all our flocks and herds. If we have found favor with you, please let us have this land as our property instead of giving us land across the Jordan River“ (32:4, 5).

Moses was upset, of course, when he heard that they didn’t want to enter the Promised Land! He likened these men to their forefathers, who despised God’s gift of Canaan and were sentenced to die in the desert. In his tantrum, it seemed as if Moses were saying to these men, “Why do you always bail out on God and forfeit His best for your life? Why can’t you be more like Joshua and Caleb, who follow the Lord fully?” (32:12). He did not foresee this unusual request.

Daily Reflection

Oftentimes, when it comes to God’s direction in our lives, we will forfeit what He wants and, instead, settle for what we want. Usually, settling for us means to choose what is safe, comfortable, or convenient. Following God’s will seems risky; we dare not brave the unknown.

Where do you land? Are you too anxious to “cross the Jordan” and see what God has in store for you? Or are you quick to settle down into what’s comfortable, easy, or convenient?

Do you have what it takes to wait for God’s best in your life? Or will you decide for yourself and settle for your own desires? What qualities are necessary to push on to the Promised Land? What does it take to refuse to settle?

 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

BiAY.org | Daily Reflections Day 69 — 296 Days to Go