The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Numbers 32:16-23, “Then they came near to him and said, “We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones;
17 but we ourselves will be armed ready to go before the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place, while our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
18 “We will not return to our homes until every one of the sons of Israel has possessed his inheritance.
19 “For we will not have an inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has fallen to us on this side of the Jordan toward the east.”
20 So Moses said to them, “If you will do this, if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for the war,
21 and all of you armed men cross over the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven His enemies out from before Him,
22 and the land is subdued before the LORD, then afterward you shall return and be free of obligation toward the LORD and toward Israel, and this land shall be yours for a possession before the LORD.
23 “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.”

Have you ever been in an agreement with someone who wanted to break the agreement at the last minute?
That’s precisely what is occurring in our passage above. Moses had led the children of Israel out of Egypt,
across the Red Sea, and through the wilderness. They had now come to the Jordan River and were about
to cross over when two of the tribes wanted to stay where they were and not cross over the Jordan.

The problem was that Israel faced in Moab a formidable army on the other side of the Jordan. While the tribes of Reuben and Gad agreed to join the fight, they wanted ultimately to settle in the lush area where they were on the eastern side of the Jordan. Ultimately, and after consultation with the LORD, Moses agreed
to their request. Yet, Moses made them first promise to join the other tribes and fight the Moabites.

Moses warning is clear: if they backed out on fighting, they will have sinned against the LORD, and they can
“be sure (their) sin will find (them) out.” It was not only valid to Reuben and Gad, it remains in place for us,
as well. The New Testament is replete with promises for those who stand solidly for the LORD and against
sin. When we promise to stand for the LORD, He blesses us. If we promise and then fail to keep the promise, we face the righteous and powerful judgment of Almighty God!

The promises of the LORD are replete with the fullness of joy! Yet, His promises hinge on our moral and spiritual deportment. We must learn to do well, as the LORD is closely watching! If we want to receive His promised blessings, we must pledge ourselves to Him and keep our pledge! Have you pledged yourself to Him? Are you committed to follow Him in loving others? –even those who continue to hate and despise you?
Sinning against the LORD is more than frightful! It has eternal consequences!

“But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.”

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom