Joshua had a second item of business after the people had gotten prepared to launch out on their long awaited journey into the promised land - he was to remind the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh that though they had received their inheritance east of the Jordan, they were committed to fight with their brothers and assist in conquering the land west of Jordan (Num. 32:16-32; Deut. 3:12-20). The key word here is remember, and their response shows they had not forgotten their promise and were ready to stand by it. In fact they were to serve as shock troops in leading the attack on Canaan (v. 14, cross over ahead of your brothers).
The response of the two and one-half Transjordanian tribes was enthusiastic and wholehearted. It must certainly have reflected the attitude of all the tribes at this crucial time of preparation for the invasion. What an encouragement this was to the new leader to be sure that the people were united in supporting him.
Their pledge of loyalty and obedience (we will go.... we will obey you) included the solemn declaration that anyone guilty of disobedience would be executed. The tribes even encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous!
But there was one condition: they were willing to follow Joshua if he showed clear evidence that he was being led by God (v. 17). This was a wise precaution and one to be carefully followed lest Israel’s leaders turn out to be false prophets or “blind leaders of the blind.”
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
On the face of it, it may not seem like there is a whole lot to this passage. But, the opposite is true. This passage is packed full of power for us today.
One thing stand out loud and clear: 1)The power of a promise. The Reubenites and the Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh had been promised a portion of land. Their wives and children and grandchildren could go and settle that land once the crossed the Jordon. But the men of these tribes had sworn an oath to fight with the rest of the tribes. They were intent on keeping that promise.
Would to God that we would be those same type of promise keepers. When we say we'll do something - we do it. Whatever the cost. Read Psalm 15 - what does it have to say about keeping your word?
Psalms 15:1-5 (NIV)
1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
This is huge. We live in a culture where giving your word hardly means anything anymore. But to God, it means everything. WHY? Because God is the ultimate promise keeper. It is His will that His followers be like Him. Jesus gave this instruction regarding the giving and taking of oaths;
Matthew 5:33-37 (ESV)
33 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'
34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,
35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.
37 Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.
What is Jesus saying? Don't say things like - "I swear on my mother's grave." Rather, be a person of character, so that when you say yes - people know it will be done. Period. You can be counted on.
One other thing - don't be like those milk toast, lilly lived folks who won't commit to anything because they don't want to break their word. That type of lifestyle is repulsive. Don't go this extreme.
How will you apply this foundational truth today?
I like what you said about "remember". God's promises don't do us a lot of good unless we remember them. He is so faithful to keep His promises, isn't He?
ReplyDeleteWhat will I do? I will thank God for His promises. He is well able to do what He said He will do. He is definitely a God of Integrity.