Tehillah Generation Chapel
Daily Manna
Friday, July 15, 2016
Topic: The empty tomb 93
Reading: Matthew 27:57-66, 28:1-15
Scripture: He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee. (Luke 24:6)
Note: And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the Lord, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession (Num 32:29).
Reuben and Gad coveted the land of Gilead, east of the Jordan, for their portion of the inheritance as it was an ideal place for rearing cattle. This land had no giants in its habitation, so there would be no need to break a sweat in possessing it. All that Reuben and Gad needed was the acquiescence and blessing of Moses.
God had spoken concerning Canaan as the promised land. He spoke as early as the days of Abraham right after the separation between Abraham and his nephew, Lot. Allowing Reuben and Gad this easy option of possession without contributing to the fight against the giants would have had dire consequences for Israel.
Firstly, there’s the loss of numerical strength in the number of warriors that could be deployed in combat against the giants, as fighters would come from ten tribes instead of twelve. Secondly, there’s the critical issue of a divided front, as a nation divided against itself shall never stand. This divisive spirit could spread discouragement, weaken their resolve and possibly lead to further divisions within their ranks. Thirdly, Reuben and Gad would be missing an important lesson in the plan of God in teaching Israel to learn how to fight for what rightfully belongs to them as a nation.
Moses was quick to remind Reuben and Gad of the inescapable precondition of subduing in battle before possession. They could only have their hearts’ desires to possess the land they so coveted after battling the giants. There was no easy way out.
Food for thought: In many ways we’re like Reuben and Gad. We desire possession without conquest. We would rather choose the seemingly easier fights and follow the least risky paths than to trust God to lead us through the stormy path.
Declaration: Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. (Psa 144:1)
©Author: Rev Fred Aboe
