Day 50 or February 19. Be wholehearted as you follow God.
Our thoughts today are from Numbers chapter 33 verse 55. But if you do not drive out the
inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and
thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. And now the
big picture surrounding this verse.
Normally, when you think of the Promised Land, the area coincides with the present-day homeland
of the Jews and the Palestinians, west of the Jordan River. The book of Numbers reminds
us that some of the tribes chose to settle on the east side of the river, the land which
is called the Kingdom of Jordan today. Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh, with permission from God,
are planning to settle outside the Promised Land. This land looked good and very suitable
for their large flocks, so they see it as a better option than crossing the Jordan with
all the other tribes. The tribes on both sides of the river have their work cut out even
though God is on their side. The locals will not give up their land easily. Most of the
tribes are preparing to cross over and settle in the land promised by God. Not long to wait
now, but God has more to tell them before the dream becomes a reality.
And now today's action step.
There's no more uncomfortable place than trying to have one foot in the world and the
other foot in the Kingdom of God. People in this predicament are often accused of sitting
on the fence, but where spiritual matters are concerned, there is no fence. Jesus said,
Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually
working against me. That's in Matthew chapter 12 verse 30.
God gives a solemn warning to the tribes of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised
Land. It can be summed up like this. Don't be half-hearted when you follow God. You have
to decide. A half-hearted life satisfies no one. A life of commitment is more rewarding
than you can ever imagine. Committed you win. Half-hearted you lose.