When the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh looked upon the prime cattle country east of the Jordan, they requested that land be deemed their inheritance. At first Moses was angry with them for stopping short of entering the land of promise, but they assured him they did not shrink from the task which lay before them of driving out the enemies so all tribes could enter their inheritance. They would pass over Jordan armed for battle to assist their brethren obtain the land God allotted to each one, and then they would return to their own families on the east side of the river. In the end Moses agreed to the request of the three tribes, and they also kept their word to fight beside their brethren.
In 1 Corinthians 10:11 Paul explained what happened concerning the children of Israel in the Old Testament had been provided as relevant examples for Christians today. Like the children of Israel had been given an inheritance and rest they needed to labour to enter so it is for us as followers of Jesus. We have an inheritance and reward in heaven to be sure, but that is not the picture of Canaan--full of strongholds, idols, and enemies to be overcome. Every follower of Jesus Christ has a place and function in the Body of Christ, spiritual gifts, and good works God has prepared for us to enter into. What the example of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh confirms is we have a role to help other Christians walk in the victorious and fruitful inheritance God has given us by grace. And guess what? We need the help of others too. As much as we like to think we are sufficient, no one is capable of victory in isolation any more than a hand severed from a body can wield a sword.
As I think back upon my younger days I realise many of my relationships with fellow believers had very little to do with Christ: I did little to intentionally help others win the personal battles they struggled with, nor did I openly share concerning the obstacles or enemies which hindered me from entering into greater faith and reliance upon Jesus. Having Christian friends was a good thing, but how much better if we would have supported and held each other accountable to follow Jesus like the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh did in following through with their commitment to serve. They said as one man to Joshua in Joshua 1:18, "Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage." Okay, maybe that is a bit extreme--but you see what I mean. Their determination to obey Joshua together ought to mark the lives of believers who aim to walk in obedience to our sovereign King Jesus.
What amazes me is the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh did not place the burden of accountability upon Joshua to keep them in line but policed themselves at the expense of their own lives. It is true making a promise and actually following through are two different things, but the intent of these tribes to obey Joshua and help their brethren is commendable and admirable. All Christians are on equal footing before our Saviour Jesus Christ as sheep of His pasture, and we are called to work together to see all enter into the rest God has provided by His grace. There yet remains a rest for us to enter, and let us labour as one in humility and grace to enter in.
In 1 Corinthians 10:11 Paul explained what happened concerning the children of Israel in the Old Testament had been provided as relevant examples for Christians today. Like the children of Israel had been given an inheritance and rest they needed to labour to enter so it is for us as followers of Jesus. We have an inheritance and reward in heaven to be sure, but that is not the picture of Canaan--full of strongholds, idols, and enemies to be overcome. Every follower of Jesus Christ has a place and function in the Body of Christ, spiritual gifts, and good works God has prepared for us to enter into. What the example of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh confirms is we have a role to help other Christians walk in the victorious and fruitful inheritance God has given us by grace. And guess what? We need the help of others too. As much as we like to think we are sufficient, no one is capable of victory in isolation any more than a hand severed from a body can wield a sword.
As I think back upon my younger days I realise many of my relationships with fellow believers had very little to do with Christ: I did little to intentionally help others win the personal battles they struggled with, nor did I openly share concerning the obstacles or enemies which hindered me from entering into greater faith and reliance upon Jesus. Having Christian friends was a good thing, but how much better if we would have supported and held each other accountable to follow Jesus like the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh did in following through with their commitment to serve. They said as one man to Joshua in Joshua 1:18, "Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage." Okay, maybe that is a bit extreme--but you see what I mean. Their determination to obey Joshua together ought to mark the lives of believers who aim to walk in obedience to our sovereign King Jesus.
What amazes me is the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh did not place the burden of accountability upon Joshua to keep them in line but policed themselves at the expense of their own lives. It is true making a promise and actually following through are two different things, but the intent of these tribes to obey Joshua and help their brethren is commendable and admirable. All Christians are on equal footing before our Saviour Jesus Christ as sheep of His pasture, and we are called to work together to see all enter into the rest God has provided by His grace. There yet remains a rest for us to enter, and let us labour as one in humility and grace to enter in.
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