Monday, June 16, 2014

Numbers 32 - Satisfied with Less

A life of mediocrity is not what God has called us to. We as Christians live peaceably but it is not the path of least resistance. We are called to live boldly and passionately for The Lord. Far too often our tendency is to give up. We give up before sharing a witness to those who are lost, we stop praying for the unsaved, we give into worldly philosophies and blend in with the world around us when God is calling us to press on to the high calling. 

The Reubenites and the Gadites knew what it was like to want to settle for less. They approached Moses and asked him for the first portion of lands Israel conquered, because they didn't want to travel across the Jordon. They said they were satisfied with the land they had already conquered and that there was plenty of grazing there for the animals. In fact they say the eneies in the other side of the Jordon and they were fearful. Moses called them out saying they were just like their doubting parents who offended God and were prohibited from entering the promised land. (Num 32:8). I don't know about you, but when someone says, "you are just like your parents" it usually isn't meant to be complementary. 

The Reubenites and Gadites didn't want to risk their men in battle and they were prepared to settle for less. As Christians we all have opposition in our lives; sometimes it is internal conflict over sin and other times it is external - interactions with others. We must not settle. We must not allow sin to get comfortable in our lives and we must be willing to serve even though we may be treated like servants. The battle is too important not to win. 

Here is great news for you who are tired, weary and afraid. Our God is a mighty God and when we undertake to live for Him, He gives us power to overcome that opposition and to receive greater blessing than we dreamed for ourselves. Dear Christian, never settle for mediocrity; that is nothing but wilderness living. Pray hard and press on to the high calling of Christ knowing that He who is in you is greater than He who is in the world. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him. 

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