I heard that a lot growing up in church and even more so from grandma, one of the godliest people I’ve ever known. Usually it was used to communicate the thought that there was going to be a consequence for whatever sin I was involved in even if I thought I was concealing it. This is true. However, what it means from the passage in Numbers 32:23 is something different.
The children of Israel were preparing to cross over the Jordan to receive their inheritance of the Promised Land. Two of the tribes who had lots of livestock liked the land east of the Jordan because it was suited for livestock. This also meant that they wouldn’t have to cross over and help their brothers fight to possess their inheritance. Moses as their Spirit led leader saw right through this. He asked them in verse 6, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?” He also accused them of being like their fathers who had earlier discouraged the people from going into the Promised Land. He reminded them that it led to them wandering in the wilderness for 40 years until all of the discouragers had died.
The two tribes decided that they would not discourage their brothers by refusing to help them. In their commitment, Moses told them that if they didn’t keep their word and help their brothers that they could be sure there would be a price to pay for being so selfish. We need to take this to heart. There are so many opportunities to help our brothers and sisters to get to their promised land. Often we overlook them because we are so wrapped up in our own lives that others matter very little to us. We need each other. We are responsible for each other.
We can meet the needs of others in many ways: the actual meeting of a material need, lending a hand with a project or chore, a dinner invitation, fellowship, friendship, offering your services to another leader, a smile, a hug and an encouraging word. Sometimes just showing up is a great encouragement. Showing up and locking arms with each other to fight is even a greater encouragement. Beyond it being a good thing to do, it is our responsibility.
So much so that Moses told them, that if you don’t help your brothers you are going to make God mad again (verse 14) and that you can be sure what goes around will come around (verse 23). Let’s unselfishly help each other, understanding that there is a consequence to selfishness. But rather let’s do it motivated by love and genuine concern.
