Joshua Chapter 22: verses 1-3 (NIV-UK)
Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh and said to them, ‘You have done all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded, and you have obeyed me in everything I commanded. For a long time now – to this very day – you have not deserted your fellow Israelites but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you.
These tribes had asked for, and been given, their inheritance on the other side of the Jordan. But Moses commanded the men to cross over with the rest of Israel and assist in the fight for the Promised Land. They left their families and did so. Here we read Joshua’s commendation of a job faithfully and obediently done. They fought on behalf of others and not for themselves. They didn’t gain anything for themselves in these particular battles but regardless of this, and so that their fellow Israelites would benefit they did their best.
We sometimes hear people say that in achieving their goals or ambitions they are “looking out for number one,” – in other words, their own interests. But are we as willing to be as fully committed to the greater good for the benefit of others. Sometimes that’s just what God expects us to do. Think of all of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes in support of those in public roles. God expects us to still give a hundred percent commitment even if no one else is aware of what we’re doing. We should not be doing anything just for our own gain, pleasure or recognition, but in obedience to God and for His glory. This was no quick job either for these tribes; they were separated from their families for some years but they did as they had been commanded. Oh, that I may be that faithful for the benefit of others and for the glory of God!
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this example of faithful service on behalf of others. Thank You too for all those I have seen do the same so tirelessly without expecting anything for themselves. Help me to follow in their footsteps. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.