Numbers 34

Good Morning “Realizers of Gods Good Gifts.”  Today we are in Numbers 34.

Here God gives Moses instructions regarding the boundaries of the “Promised Land”, and instructions regarding its distribution to the 9 1/2 tribes. 9 1/2?  I thought there was 12?  Yes there was, but remember Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh liked what they saw on the East, side of the Jordan - before they ever crossed.  They chose to settle there, to exchange the promised blessing of God for what their eyes saw in the moment.

I’ve talked about them a bit, but I’d like to revisit that piece.  God has promised all true followers of Jesus an inheritance in Heaven.  In fact we are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).  We’re also told that we can have an effect on what that inheritance looks like by the way we live while we’re here on earth. ”“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Isn’t that what the 2 1/2 tribes did?  They exchanged what they could see and immediately get their hands on, rather than wait for the promised blessing of The Almighty, All Knowing, All Powerful, Owns it All, Holds it all in His Hands, One True God who promised something better.  As we read on you’ll see that due to conflict these tribes are eventually absorbed back into the nation of Israel.  Their choice, independent of God was futile, proved worthless, in the end - not all it was cracked up to be.  

I feel like this sounds familiar.  Do we not do the very same thing, from day to day?  Spinning our wheels to amass shinny things, wealth, security?  We live in a world where if we work hard enough, we can pretty much take care of ourselves - kind of.  ”But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.“
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Scripture reminds us to seek Him first, and His righteousness.  The word translated “seek” in the original Greek is “zeteo”.  It literally means to search for, desire, demand… what are we to desire?  His level of righteousness.  The implication is that we ought to be more about growing up in Christ, becoming like Him and seeing others do the same, than we are about spinning our wheels to amass stuff.  

If that’s where our heart is, God will allow it, just like He did with the 2 1/2 tribes.  There will come a  day when we realize however; it was all for not.

Love you all!  Dig in!