Do not take us across the Jordan.

Numbers 32:1-8, Now the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had an exceedingly large number of livestock. So when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that it was indeed a place suitable for livestock, the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben came and spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the congregation, saying, “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon, the land which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock; and your servants have livestock.” And they said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession; do not take us across the Jordan.” But Moses said to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you yourselves sit here? Now why are you discouraging the sons of Israel from crossing over into the land which the LORD has given them? This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.

Two of the tribes decided that the land east of the Jordan was ideal for them and their livestock and Moses could see that this could become a discouragement to those who would soon be in battle for the Promised Land. Even though the land was theirs, and the Lord would go before them, they had to prepare for war. Are we engaged in the battle, or have we settled in a place that seems suitable for us?

We thank You that You go before us; may we encourage our brothers and never forget that there is a battle.