Moses Made Allowances [Numbers 32]

1Now the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had an exceedingly large number of livestock So when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that it was indeed a place suitable for livestock,

 2the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben came and spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the congregation, saying,

 3"Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon,

 4the land which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock."

 5They said, "If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession; do not take us across the Jordan."


 

Sons of Reuben and Gad and eventually sons of Manasseh (the half tribe of Joseph) asked and obtained permission from Moses to inhabit the land outside of the area God had set apart for them. Moses assented to the plan only after they agreed to help clear out the promised land for the rest of the tribes.


The question that haunted me as I read the chapter was, "Where is God in this decision?" From what is written, it is impossible to know if Moses consulted God or not. Up until now, it has been clear that Moses consulted God on everything! It appears that God allowed Moses to make this decision, but was it God's best plan for Reuben, Gad and Manasseh's tribes?


As I consider all that happened in chapter 32 and the notable absence of God's involvement, I wonder what He might have said if someone asked Him. He might have said, "I have something better for you on the other side of the river. Just be patient and wait and see the perfect place I have for your families and flocks." Did these families miss out on God's best and settle for what was easy and visible?


Obviously, I don't know the answer to these questions from what is written in this chapter. Perhaps I will get more insight as we continue reading through the Old Testament. Or maybe that will have to wait until I get to heaven and can ask God. However, it does occur to me that there is a lesson here for me today.


How many times do I take the time to ask God what His best is for me each day and how often do I simply settle for the visible and easy thing in front of me? It feels absolutely normal to make my own decisions and move on to the next thing throughout my day. Sometimes, I even include my husband and others in some of these things. I do run to God when I come to a crisis or a really stressful decision, but is this way of living going to provide God's best for me?


God, we praise You that You are always available to guide in every decision for every moment of each of our lives! Cause us to believe that we need You in the little things just as much as in the big things? Cause us to desire Your best more than our best. Enable us to take the time to invite You into our daily lives acknowledging that we don't want to settle for what is visible and easy, but we want Your best. We can't, but You Can!!!!


Beth Warlick, 8/11/2010