Deuteronomy 3:18 "And I commanded you at
that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye
shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are
meet for the war."
When the people of Israel were approaching the Jordan River to cross it, there
were two and a half tribes who wanted to live on this side of the river where
they were now encamped. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of
Manasseh saw the land was fertile and good for their cattle. The Lord gave them
that land, but there was one stipulation: "ye shall pass over armed."
Their wives and children were allowed to remain in that land, but all the
men who were capable of battle were commanded to go with their brethren across
Jordan and help them fight their battles until the land was completely given
over to Israel. If there was any doubt in their minds concerning the welfare of
their wives and children, they simply could think back forty years before
this. The excuse given by the generation just prior to this was
concerning the safety of the women and children. Now, it is the women and
children who are about to take the land. These men had been children when
their fathers used them as an excuse as to why they could not take the land.
They knew God was fully capable.
When we drop down a few verses, we can see the Lord reminding them concerning
His position in their lives. The Lord promised these men that once the battles
were fought and their brethren were settled in the land, they would be able to
return to possess this land which they had chosen. He again reminded them of
the manner in which the Lord took care of them against the two kings they had
just gone against. In reminding them of what He had done for them, He also gave
a promise of what He would do. "Thine eyes have seen all that the
LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the
kingdoms whither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your
God he shall fight for you." (Deuteronomy 3:21-22)
Ultimately, the two and a half tribes who settled on the west side of the
Jordan River missed out on the blessings which God had promised to all Israel.
They were active with their nation to a point, but then they settled for less
than what God had promised them. What does this mean for us today? First
let me say I have never been a "pressure pastor" in trying to get
members on the roll of the church. Every congregation has those wonderful
people who faithfully attend and help in every way concerning the activities of
the church. I have served congregations where I thought certain men were
deacons of the church because of their loving care of the House of God. I
have served congregations where I thought folks were already members of the
church because of their actions concerning the care of the church body.
This writing is not about questioning the position of an individual in Christ.
There is no doubt in my mind concerning the people I'm thinking about and so
many others.
There is a blessing in becoming a member of a local congregation. The blessing
is in publicly identifying ourselves as a part of the body of Christ - His
Church. The people of the tribes of Reuben, Dan, and Manasseh were always a
part of Israel, but they missed the blessing of joining themselves to the
people in their trials, their battles, and their blessings. There is a
blessing of peace in publicly saying, "I belong to my Lord Jesus Christ. I
am a part of His body." Joining the church and being baptized is not
the prerequisite to going to heaven, but it is a large part of enjoying the
peace of Christ here on earth.
If you have not openly and publicly joined yourself to the local Church body, I encourage you to sincerely pray about it and seek the Lord's direction.