The East Side of the River

The Reubenites and Gadites (who were placed together on the South side of the Tabernacle) have made the decision to settle on the east side of the Jordan. Moses wasn't keen on the idea but did concede when tribal leaders assured Moses of their full military support. They had waited all this time, their ancestors died in the desert never seeing the Promised Land. Why in the world would they stop short and settle for the land on the east side of the Jordan?

We need to turn back the hands of time and the pages of our book to Genesis. Reuben, the first born of Jacob, son of Leah, slept with his father's concubine, Bilhad. Fast forward at bit in Genesis toJacob on his death bed, when we learn this secret was not a secret after all. Reuben's sin cost him and his descendants to "no longer exel or be first." I thought it was ironic that Moses warns the tribal leaders that if they do not keep their word and fight with the Israelites, their sin would be found out. How true for this group of people.

I believe knowing of the words of Jacob, the Reubenites and Gadites decided to make their own plans. They would not be allowed the blessing of the first born, the double portion upon entering the Promised Land. They saw a beautiful spot to settle. A place that would be profitable and provide nicely for their families so they took it.

They missed the blessing of God. They did not look at the big picture of what it meant to stay with family and receive what God has promised them. How often to we do this? How often to we settle for the east side of the Jordan?

I lived many years on the east side. I tried to make my own way. Striving, manipulating, and wandering through life afraid to cross the Jordan. Listening to the lies of the enemy, I thought because of the sins of my past, that I was not worthy for the blessing of the Promised Land. I settled for the "green and plush" country side of "almost but not close enough." Until....

Until one day, through work of the Holy Spirit I began to see the other side and discovered that I was (am) worthy of receiving the blessing that was (is) due to me as a child of God, wholly and dearly loved.

Where do I live today dear one? It took many years but I SHOUT that I reside in the Promised Land my Lord intended me to have. I still have battles with the "ites" but victory is mine each time I surrender the battle to my Commander-and-Chief. Life is not perfect in the Promised Land but it is purposeful, hopeful, and amazingly satisfying. It flows with blessings and is ripe with riches untold. I never want to live anywhere else, at least on this side of heaven.