GUEST MEDITATION

By Rev. Wendell Lamb, Guest Correspondent
Published: May 15, 2008

There is a danger of serving the Lord for self-serving motives and then withdrawing from the battle. The tribe of Reuben and the tribe of Gad are two examples of this danger. In Numbers 32, it is recorded that these two tribes came to Moses and requested that they be given their inheritance on the east side of Jordan because it was a good “place for cattle.” Moses was very upset with these two tribes and questioned, “Shall your brethren (the other 10 tribes of Israel) go to war and shall ye sit here?” Upon Moses inquiry, they agreed to cross over Jordan and fight with their brethren; however, afterwards, they would return to what they genuinely desired.
Once the tribes of Reuben and Gad received their inheritance, there was once again war against the nation of Israel; but they did not respond to aid their brethren (ref. Judges 5:15-17). Like the tribes Reuben and Gad, oftentimes, people will serve the Lord to obtain what they desire, whether it be material gain, position in life, or some other goal; and after obtaining their desired objective, they find that there is no longer time for the Lord. They have much to do and too many responsibilities.
As God did for Reuben and Gad, so too will He do for us. He kept a record of their deeds, and He is also keeping records on us.