At this point in the book of Numbers, the Israelites are still wandering. I wanted to focus on chapter 32-the actions of the tribe of Ruben and Gad really intrigued me as I was reading today.
Basically, these people were satisfied with the mediocre! They were content with stopping just short of Cannan, the Promise Land, and settling in Gilead. Ruben and Gad just didn’t want to cross over the Jordan River to experience the fullness of the Promise Land from God.
Number 32:5
5 If we have found favor in your eyes,” they said, “let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan.”
I am just guessing here, but I imagine that the land of Gilead was not as exciting and filled with beauty as the Promise Land of Cannan. Why in the world would they want to stop short and not go all the way? I really don’t have an answer to this-do you?
But, I did start thinking about how we, as Christians, stop short of the abundant life that God promises us while we are here on earth. The biggest thing that keeps us from living this exciting life is lack of faith and not believing that God is who He says He is. We don’t truly comprehend that God can and will do what He says He can do. Lack of faith…lukewarm belief…see what Jesus has to say about this.
Now, I have to warn you, this is a pretty rough verse. The context is that it was written in Revelation and to the church of Laodicea. Apparently, this church was not getting any props from Christ what so ever. Even though its quite harsh, I think this verse speaks to us in our topic at hand.
Revelation 3:16
15-17″I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit.
Ouch! How would you like Christ in all His glory and fire to be saying this about you personally?!
He doesn’t have to, though! Choose to be Hot! Let the Holy Spirit light a mighty FIRE in you to believe God and have flaming faith. No need to be lukewarm-that’s no fun! You would miss out on all kinds of cool things God has planned for you.
LIVE IT OUT! Application:
Is there something in your faith walk that you are lukewarm about? Or, are you just plane frigid? Take it to Jesus, let Him de-thaw and light that flame.