Found Out and Fractured in Twain #2

Sunday, January 10, 2021

“But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23 KJV).

Doubtless, we never want to sensationalize or exaggerate. However, the fact remains, some dark days are ahead for the United States and the rest of the world. What can we Bible-believing Christians do?

The tribes of Gad and Reuben reassured Moses they would help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan River. Once the rest of Israel encamped in that new territory, then Gad and Reuben would return to the east and settle there with their cattle. We will read today’s Scripture in context.

“[20] And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war, [21] And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the LORD, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him, [22] And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD. [23] But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. [24] Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.”

Moses gave an austere warning to Reuben and Gad. Their brethren—the remaining 10 tribes—could interpret their actions as opposing God’s orders. If that were the case, the entire nation would be tempted to sin (that is, believe they could not enter the land a second time). Reuben and Gad thus promised they would aid their brethren in battle on the western bank of the Jordan, and Moses counseled them to make certain they would keep their word. Otherwise, their behavior would become a snare to the whole nation. They would sin against the LORD God, and, as Moses cautioned them, “be sure [be absolutely convinced] your sin will find you out.” Despite what they might assume, if they disobeyed the LORD, under no circumstances would they escape the consequence of their iniquity….