“Do not make us cross the Jordan River and settle there.” -Numbers 32:5
In Numbers 32 we see some of the Israelites telling Moses they don’t want to cross the Jordan River. When I read this I was astounded! It was God, after all, who was really the one telling them to cross the Jordan. They were basically saying, “Sorry God, I don’t want to do it! Can we just stay where we’re at?”
The reason they didn’t want to cross the Jordan was because they liked the life that they had. God was calling them to something greater but they didn’t want to go for it because of their abundance of blessings. It would be easier for them to just stay where they were already living.
Do I even need to say it? The last thing I want is to have an attitude that refuses to go on with God because I’m happy where I’m at and I think I’ve already arrived!
When the blessings of God keep us from going on with God, they’ve become an idol.
If God wants me to cross the Jordan River, I want to cross the Jordan River!
No excuses, no complaining, no telling God and other people how much of a hassle it is, or how much I don’t want to do it.
A matter of simple obedience
Like us, the Israelites were faced with the choice of obedience. God had decided that His people were going to cross the Jordan River. To not cross is disobedience. It’s arrogance. When I decide that my plan is better than God’s plan, I’ve just entered into a land called “pride”.
You will never live in the Land of Promise if you are living in the Land of Pride!
Moses called them on it.
He pointed out how angry God was with their fathers, and how He made them wander in the wilderness, and that they were standing here doing the exact same thing and were sure to get the same response from God MULTIPLIED!
“The Lord’s anger burned against Israel and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation of those who had done evil in his sight was gone. And here you are, a brood of sinners, standing in the place of your fathers and making the Lord even more angry with Israel!” -Numbers 32:13-14
If God allows you to stay back, and not go forward into what He desires for you, it will ultimately be to your loss.
Surrender, submission, and obedience is never without reward. Disobedience is never without cost.
If I trust in the goodness of God I will gladly obey His voice, because I know He’s always and constantly working all things together for my good.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” -Romans 8:28
There is never a time in life where coming into disagreement with God is profitable. If doing the will of God seems like a hassle to you, trust me, not doing the will of God will prove to be much, much harder in the long run!
If you love Him, obey Him.
“If you love me, you will obey me.” -John 14:15
Obedience and love for God are always joined together in the scriptures.
For more on surrender, see my post, “Beautiful Surrender“.