“Day 32 (Numbers 32)”

Saturday, March 04, 2017

Patriotism
 
A successful community or nation depends not only on keeping our word and trust in God for victory, it also depends on the loyalty of people to each other. Patriotism is the word that best describes this attitude.
 
The time has come for Israel to enter the land (Numbers 32). The children of Gad and Reuben requested to stay on the other side of the Jordan. When they made this request it looked as though they were not going to enter the land and fight with their brethren.  They are called a “brood of sinners” (Numbers 32:14). They carefully explained to Moses that they would fulfill their obligation to their brethren to fight alongside of them as they conquered Canaan. Only after that was done would they then settle on the other side of the river.
 
At first their patriotism was questioned. Perhaps they worded their request poorly. Perhaps other jumped to conclusions. It was important that they fulfill their obligation. It is not an exact parallel but how loyal are we to the people of God with whom we have fellowship? Is there a feeling of patriotism? Is that filial devotion to help each attain the goal important to us?
 
We live in a world that values independence. Yet, in God’s family the emphasis is on loyalty to God and each other. The metaphor used often is that of the body. The point is, that every member of the body is important and has a part to play. The body depends on the loyalty of other members to fulfill their role. When the members of the body begin to fight against each other there is sickness. In some cases death when the body turns on itself.
 
Just as Israel needed Reuben and Gad to fight alongside their brothers, so we need each other to help us in our struggle to conquer Satan. We need each other to fight side by side. We need each other to lift up one another when down. When injured we need each other to carry one another.
 
Patriotism for our Lord and for one another is so very important. How patriotic am I?
 

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