The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Numbers 32:20-23, “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.’”

Israel had come a long way. Everyone was understandably tired. Now, the congregation stood before the River Jordan. Crossing the Jordan meant entering the Promised Land! But Moses had a problem. The sons of Reuben and Gad found the land this side of the River quite suitable for their needs; and they did not want to cross over and live on the other side of the river.

Moses ultimately allowed them to settle where they wanted; however, he required that they fight with their brothers to gain the Promised Land. Once they had conquered their enemies, they could return and settle where they wished. Moses’ words, however, were strong and serious: “But if you do not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure that your sin will find you out.”

Moses may not have been thinking beyond the situation that concerned them just at that time; however, his words have resounded clearly without fail throughout the centuries: “Be sure your sin will find you out!” It’s an indisputable maxim.

Each of us comes to grips with situations where wrong seems the simplest way. Scores of excuses flood our minds. What will it hurt? Who will know? And even if they do know, who would really care? It won’t hurt anyone. Numerous individuals have reckoned they could “scam the system” without being caught. Yet, there’s an “All-Seeing Eye” that is watching! And eventually, sin always finds us out! “One who walks in integrity walks securely, but one who perverts his ways will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9).

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need, Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom