17/02/08

Examine Your Priorities

And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones - Numbers 32:16

When the tribes of Gad and Reuben asked for permission to inherit their portion on the Eastern bank of the Jordan River, Moses suspected them of wanting to shirk their responsibility in conquering the land of Israel.

They told Moses, "We will build corrals for our sheep and cities for our children and leave them alone, and we will go fight together with our brethren."

Moses accepted their request but commanded them to first build cities for their children, then take care of their animals.

Here Moses was chastising them in a subtle way - telling them first to care for their children and then the livestock. Although it seems like a simple thing to us, we should reflect on our own lives and see if we don't sometimes forget this lesson.

Do you make time for your family first, or are your business and hobbies your first consideration? Keep your priorities straight!


[ Prayer for the Day ]

Father God, my children and my family which You have given me are your gift to me. You have put me as a shepherd to take care of them as your Son take care of His flock. Help me put my priorities right. I ask this in your Son's Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]

Numbers 32:16-17, 24 [AV]
16 And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:
17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.


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