“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13, NASB).
The children of Israel had stopped to remember where they had come from and where they are going. Christians ought to never forget what they have been saved from and what God has promised them.
These chapters represent the end of an era. It began with the wondrous and miraculous rescue of Israel from bondage in Egypt. It continued with the great prophet Moses’ leading of them through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. Their disobedience got them 40 more years in the wilderness and that whole generation died. A few items of business are left in Deuteronomy. Moses reviews the covenant between God and the people. He lays down the Law, again. He hands off his authority to Joshua with God’s final marching orders. Then, Moses goes up on a mountain and dies, but not before seeing the Promised Land from a distance. Always remember what God has brought you through.
The tribes of Reuben and Gad found land good for livestock east of the Jordon River and asked to remain there. This caused a great deal of distress for Moses. The request was too much like the decision made the last time they were preparing to enter the land. He finally allows it on the condition that they still do their part in reclaiming the Promised Land. No matter where we are in life, we are never free of our obligations to God and his gospel.
The book of Numbers ends with more regulations concerning Israel’s inheritance. God promises his people they will never lose their inheritance.
God brings us out of bondage to sin. He is with us always and he gives us an inheritance in his future kingdom. This inheritance can never be taken away from us. Our personal narrative is like that of the children of Israel. We must remember God’s salvation and his promised inheritance.
Remember what you were saved from and what God has promised through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev. David Richards
