“But we will arm ourselves for battle and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place.” (Numbers 32:17 NIV)
Two of the tribes of Israel: the Ruebenites and the Gadites, had found the land that they wanted to permanently occupy, right on the edge of Canaan. They expressed their desire to Moses and he reminded them of their long history of abandoning God’s best. Essentially, settling on the border of the Promises Land is settling into a place of compromise. It would be better for these two tribes to finish the fight and secure territory in the center of God’s will for His people than to acquire land holdings on the outer proximity of His physical presence.
I keep thinking about our country and the very real racial inequalities that still exist. Though great ground was won in the civil rights movement of the sixties, I wonder if we are like these two tribes. Perhaps we were willing to settle too soon? Maybe we were only on the edge of the fullness we are designed to dwell in? Perhaps our nation grew weary of battle for the very best and compromised too quickly?
God warned His people of the potential consequences of compromise. If they did not fight diligently to flush the enemy out of their territory, they would wrestle with demonic holdouts for generations to come. Broken mindsets and sinful practices would be a temptation and burden for their children and grandchildren. I read this chapter in Numbers and I deeply consider racism, how it’s never been fully eradicated from our land and now our children are inheriting a future we did not intend for them.
The solution proposed by the Ruebenites and Gadites was to keep fighting until the land was taken entirely. Their wives ad children would make a home at the border, but they would not rest until their brothers received their fair share.
“We will not return to our homes until each of the Israelites has received their inheritance.” (Numbers 32:18 NIV)
It is too bad that the previous generation did not possess this level of commitment to our brothers and sisters. I’m concerned that we have settled far too soon, with the promises of God in sight but not quite laid hold of. And now, decades have passed and the twisted ideologies of previous inhabitants have intermingled and it’s much more challenging to oust out evil.
We want an easy answer to these complex racial tensions in our country, but at this point, it can’t be that straight forward. We’ve missed our window. We quit fighting for what was right and went home before the war was really done. What can we do now?
I’m still trying to figure the out. I don’t have any complete theories but I’m quite sure it starts with listening to our fellow man. We must humble ourselves enough to hear their story and value their experience. I’m sure we need an education on the realities of inequality in this country. I bet our fighting spirit will gain momentum with prayer; when we slow our souls long enough to hear God’s heart for His people. And I’m confident that we cannot settle into easy, blessed lives before our brothers and sisters gain a peaceful parcel of land themselves.
“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord, you may be sure that your sins will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23 NIV)
We have turned colorblind eyes long enough. We have lived in our whitewashed picket fences and not paid enough attention the ongoing challenges of our brothers, let alone fought for them, alongside them. We can battle the forces of spiritual darkness in prayer and with physical acts of love and mercy. We can commit, as the Reubenites and Gadites did, to take the best land for the Lord.
“But Your servants, every man who is armed for battle, will cross over to fight before the Lord, just as our Lord says.” (Numbers 32:27 NIV)
Lord, please forgive us for settling too quickly on the outskirts of the land You meant for us to occupy. We got near to a place of equality, but stopped short of the kind of country You long to create. Forgive us for our selfish nature. We were willing to quite before our brothers and sisters and access to the same things we do. Stir up the holy fight in our blood. By Your Spirit, show us ways to pray and protest. Open up our ears to the cries of Your people ad equip us for spiritual battle until the land is won and everyone has opportunity to walk in real freedom. Amen.