1st Chronicles 5 GOOD START - BAD END As much as we hate war and the consequences of warfare are death and destruction, battles are fought between opposing nations, and sometimes lesser battles between ideologies and families. Mankind because of our sinful nature, is not satisfied until we get what we want for ourselves - and often at any cost. The listing of the leaders of the two and a half tribes of Israel that settled on the east side of Jordan is mainly that of military leaders. The history of most nations includes times of warfare and both victories and defeats. In this way succeeding generations who may be enjoying the results of the bloodshed of those in generations before them, will hopefully learn that the blessings they enjoy now were costly to others.
Because of Reuben's gross sin, he forfeited the double portion that historically was given to the firstborn son. Joseph's two sons each got full tribal recognition and benefits because of Joseph's faithfulness to God. Reuben was a privileged son at the beginning of his life and on occasions seemed to be willing to assume his leadership role. The consequences of his sin ruined not only his personal testimony and took away his place of leadership, but also the disaster of yielding to temptations affected the lives of those in his tribe who followed him. My children and grandchildren - and even those who will come after them in the family tree, will be affected by the choices I make. The place where I live, the occupation of my life, the things I do in business or leisure, my convictions, my faith and the practices of my life will leave some kind of impression on them.
To their credit, the two and a half tribes, Reuben, Gad and Manasseh, did not let the actions of Reuben their ancient forefather, sour them or keep them from fulfilling their potential. They did not complain about Joseph's sons or Judah being ahead of the in inheritance or leadership. Judah made some very bad decisions but he stood up as a surety for Benjamin and became the spokesperson for the family. Reuben's descendants were good cattlemen and were doing a good job with what they had received for their inheritance. By pressing ahead to claim all that was theirs and moving east to the edge of the desert, they gained good land for their enterprises.
God's people are not all the same either as to their personality, ambition and family characteristics. But when we are united with others of "like precious faith," and do not let past failures "hamstring" us to where we will do nothing, there can be spiritual victories. Those who connect easily with people in a personal way may not be the ones to preach the Gospel publicly on the behalf of the assembly. Others may be able to reach out to "the regions beyond" and the assembly as a whole is able to support their outreach. There are those who can effectively teach the word of God and consolidate the work of the Gospel by explaining carefully in an expositional way, the will of God for us.
The tribe of Gad had settled next to Reuben, but by comparison seemed to be kind of a laid-back people who were content to let others do what they wanted, "but please don't both us." When their land wasn't producing enough to raise cattle and sheep, they turned to raising pigs that would dig in the ground to sustain them rather than needing grass. If we spend our time looking back instead of ahead, we are in danger of being defeated by the present and will have no future. It is true that if one does nothing, he makes no mistakes (he is probably dead), but he certainly contributes nothing to benefit others. By his apathetic complacency, he will soon have nothing for himself and his family.
When God's people settle down to a routine life of business occasionally mixed with pleasure, and at our convenience, we contribute a little to assembly life, it will not be long before they are unhappy, discontented and critical of others. Enthusiasm for spiritual things and ambition in the furtherance of the kingdom of God, gives meaning to our lives. When we live for eternity, the present is merely a beneficial stepping stone to that which is full and satisfying. Our present life is simply an opportunity to fulfill our preparation for our eternal calling. love for God and people gives a meaning to life that is far superior to having fat pigs.
When the combined military power of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh got God's direction, prayed to God and trusted in Him, they won battles and gained territory because the "war was of God." They had trained and developed military skills before, but were wise enough to know they had to trust God to bring about the desired result. The learning process of "Christian education" that is practiced in scripturally gathered assemblies of God's people is a remarkably effective way of training and developing spiritual skills.
Our teaching meetings and time for practical applications of truth between those times the assembly comes together, provides the Lord's people with an "apprenticeship program" that works well.
Older saints teach the younger from the scriptures and their life-experiences with God, and may even take them along with them to practice what they have learned. After a meeting one might inquire of another, "How have things been going this week?" and that opens the way to communicate one's practical experience in a similar matter. That can greatly help one who is under pressure at school or in a job where they need moral answers to the problems they face. Some people have an instinctive way to come alongside and help others. Some must choose to do what does not come naturally to them and normally they wouldn't do. But we all need the help of others from time to time, and they need ours too. Victory in life comes when there are spiritual solutions addressed to the difficulties of life.
The tribes east of Jordan did well at first when they were united under the guidance of God. Even though they were different, when their differences were applied to the present need; they all shared, they unified and there was exceptional strength. Brave people, famous people and who fear God are wonderful to be around and we can learn from them and follow their lead. Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
The writer of the Chronicles knew the positive side of the history those three tribes and their military and geographical conquests. But to be honest and fair with the present generation, he wrote about the bad ending as well as the good start. The leadership failed. They "transgressed against the God of their fathers." they were unfaithful to God. The military skill, the business acumen, the enthusiastic attitude of some, their fame and success could not preserve them from their enemies. Not only were they unfaithful to God, but they prostituted to false gods and served the idols other people around them served.
Those very idols and the people who had worshipped them, had once been destroyed and the Lord's people had prospered because God was with them. However, following generations forgot the lessons of history and thought they could do what they wanted and get away with it. To compromise our convictions or those that had been our parents may not seem too serious at the moment. But compromise leads to disloyalty to God, and disloyalty leads to lack of allegiance to the truth of God. That is followed by disobedience, and disobedience is followed by divine justice carrying out judgment.
It is possible to start out life committing a serious sin, and yet be recovered in a measure to usefulness. Usefulness enables us to experience a degree of success, but that can be lost in a short time if we forget "the hole of the pit from whence we have been digged, and the rock from which we have been hewn." Then the following generations hopefully will learn not to do what we did, and unite with others of "like precious faith" to go forward in the things of God now - at this present time!