Title Numbers 32:6~32:7
Contents
With the conquest of Canaan in front of their eyes, the Israelites are again faced with unexpected difficulties. The descendants of the Reuben and Gad tribes among the 12 tribes of Israel came out before Moses and Eleazar the priest, and now they would not cross the Jordan River, but settle in the land of the Amorites that God had given them victoriously on the east side of the Jordan. They thought they didn't need to go anywhere else because they already had enough animals and the land was too good for herding.
These thoughts and demands of the Reuben and Gad tribes are very selfish, and it is a very dangerous idea that destroys the unity of the community.
For their selfish behavior, Moses resolutely rebukes them.
“Moses said to the children of Gad and the children of Reuben, “You brethren are going to war, and you want to sit here? :6~7)
Many of these things are happening in our community today as well, and we can see that the church and ministry of God are suffering a lot because of such people and such things.
Just as Peter's request from the Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration, "It is good here, let's build three tents here and live here," did not consider God's work and was only an idea for his own comfort and peace. It cannot be denied that there are too many tendencies that do not look at things in terms of community revival and expansion of God's kingdom, but only their own interests and conveniences.
They are uncomfortable with paying small sacrifices and prices, and with that they create divisions in the church. Due to the negative influence of some such people, even faithful believers lose their passion for faith and react skeptically to their religious life.
Today, we must check whether the appearance of the Reuben and the Gad children are not in our appearance. Do I put the work of God and the benefits and glory of the church established with the blood of Jesus Christ first, or do I put my position and my interests first? It should be me and you who can happily bear sacrifice and service.