February 14 - Numbers 27:15-23, 32:1-42, Deuteronomy 4:41-43, Numbers 33:50-56, Deuteronomy 25:17-19, Numbers 34:1-29, 35:1-8

All of the people who can't enter the Promised Land have finally died out.  So those left are prepared to enter.  Some go through years of struggle only to miss their reward.  Others go through years of struggle and claim their reward.  The difference is faith that God will do what he says he will do.  Even the face of what he think are giants.

The people prepare to enter with Joshua to lead them.

The tribe of Reuben and Gad want to remain where they are and not go into the Promised Land although they've committed to helping the others secure the Lord's inheritance through battle. 

So what does this say?

That we can alter God's plan?  Or, at least, His announced plan.  We can pick what we want even though He has something better prepared for us?  And He'll allow us that choice and our perception of what's best.  God's leniency amazes me.  Even in the Old Testament.  He prescribes just what animal and how many and when.  But on something as big as where to settle and live, He allows the people latitude.  Literally.  

Or does this story suggest that at church we should follow the lead of the elders and win what they perceive the battle to be?  Even if in our hearts, we are living someplace else?

Or, on the other hand, does it indicate that we don't need to follow the lead of the majority.   That as long as we fight for the common good, we can choose to go in another direction?  That we can be at different places and still fight for the same God.

Or is all of the above or maybe something more, something I haven't thought of yet.  And that God will make the meaning clear to me in another reading, in another time of my life.