But they approached Moses and said, “We simply want to build pens for our livestock and fortified towns for our wives and children. Then we will arm ourselves and lead our fellow Israelites into battle until we have brought them safely to their land. Meanwhile, our families will stay in the fortified towns we build here, so they will be safe from any attacks by the local people. We will not return to our homes until all the people of Israel have received their portions of land. But we do not claim any of the land on the other side of the Jordan. We would rather live here on the east side and accept this as our grant of land.” [Numbers 32.16-19]
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, because they had so much livestock, requested of Moses that they could remain on the east side of the Jordan River in the land where Israel had conquered Sihon, king of the Amorites and Og, king of Bashan.
At first, their request angered Moses. However, when they explained that they fully intended to help the rest of Israel conquer the land west of the Jordan River, Moses granted their request.
The gesture of camaraderie seen in the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh is exemplary of Jesus Christ Who left the security and comfort of his home in heaven to help the world.
There is a certain element of faith also demonstrated by these three tribes as they were confident they would help conquer the land west of the Jordan and then they would indeed return to their established homes east of the Jordan. If we can see it, their faith, in so doing, served to bolster the faith of those who would occupy the Promised Land.
In conclusion, it is great faith to help others get what they need when there is little or nothing in it for us.
Father, the message for me today is simple. Help me stop concentrating my faith on myself and instead use it on behalf of others. So be it.
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