Commitment

Joshua 4:12-13 ESV
“The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh passed over armed before the people of Israel, as Moses had told them. About 40,000 ready for war passed over before the Lord for battle, to the plains of Jericho.”

The tribe of Reuben, Gad and the half Tribe of Manasseh stayed on the east side of the Jordan except their fighting men. The half tribe of Manasseh earned their land but Rueban and Gad requested their land on the east side of the Jordan, (Numbers 32). The land was incredibly lush and perfect for raising livestock. The tribes of Reuben and Gad had large amounts of livestock.

They had promised Moses, they would send their fighting men with the rest of the tribes to conquer Canaan land, now called the promised land. He told them, “If you turn away from following the Lord, He will once again leave our people in the wilderness, which will mean that you have destroyed all of us” (32:15). Being taken aback by Moses’ strong words, the tribal leaders of Reuben and Gad proposed a deal.

They said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones, and then our fighting men will leave our livestock, little ones, and wives in order to take the lead in moving the army of Israel into Canaan” (Numbers 32:16-17).

They promised Moses, “We will not return to our homes until every one of the children of Israel has received his inheritance in Canaan” (Numbers 32:18). Moses was dead, the leaders had promised Moses, not Joshua, but that did not matter. They were going to be people of their word and they did just as they had promised and then returned to their wives and children on the east side of the Jordan river.

Watching the news this morning, you can see we are in a world of compromise, reneging, loop holes and going back on our word, and not thinking twice about it. Our solution? Do the opposite of the world. If you say it, mean it, if you promise something, hold to the promise even if it hurts you in the long run, (Psalms 15:4). Don’t renege, don’t go back on your word.  

Prayer:
Lord always hold me to be faithful, committed, even if it hurts me. In Your name Precious Lord Jesus, Amen!