I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading. I had been using One Year Bible Online, but it was time for a change.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Numbers 32-33.

    When the tribes of Reuben and Gad saw the land which the Israelites had conquered on the east side of the Jordan, they saw it as perfect for their lifestyle. They approached Moses to request that it be made their inheritance rather than land on the west side of the Jordan. Moses immediately assumed that they did not want to face the people on the other side of the river, just as the previous generation had not wanted to enter the Promised Land. He assumed the worst about them. They were quick to explain that they were not only willing, but eager to fight alongside their brothers from the rest of the tribes. There is an important lesson for us here. The tribes knew how their request would be misunderstood and were prepared to answer the accusation. They did not ask for the land in order as a way to fighting alongside their fellow Israelites, nor did they use their desire for the land east of the Jordan as an excuse to avoid the fighting. In the same way, we should be quick to volunteer to do the hard work associated with the goals of the organizations we are part of, even when the activities we are interested in do not require it.