Israel was preparing to go across the River Jordan and attack the Canaanites. The Jews were occupying the land of Moab on the east side of Jordan.

The tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh owned much cattle. They came to Moses and asked that they be allowed to inherit the land of Moab instead of the country on the other side of the Jordan. They said Moab was an excellent place for their cattle and they wanted to make it their home.

This may sound like a reasonable request to us. In fact, this would provide more territory for those of Israel who inherited the land across the Jordan.

But Moses hit the roof!

Moses understood that the whole purpose of the journey through the desert was to obtain that which the Lord had promised the land of Canaan. Moses knew also that to disobey the Lord was asking for big trouble.

"Will you ever learn?" Moses roared. "As if we don't have enough trouble, now you want to settle on the wrong side of the Jordan!"

The cattle lovers responded, "Look. We will go across Jordan and fight alongside our brothers so they can get their land. Then we will come back here and settle down with our families and cows."

Moses said, "All right already. But you better be sure you do what you are saying."

This all sounds copacetic. But think about it.

The Ark, the Tabernacle, the priesthood, Moses, Joshua and the elders, the singers and musicians, the Glory of God, were about to cross the Jordan.

Do you think Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh cared about these? They did not! They had milk, butter, and hamburgers on their mind.

Have you ever been around cows much? They are not intelligent like horses and dogs. A cow barn does not smell the greatest. Cows are placid in their bovine manner but not truly inspiring. They hardly can be compared with the Shekinah when it comes to glory and power.

Can you imagine the Lord and His army returning on cows? It doesn't cut it.

I like cows as much as the next fellow. But when you put cows next to the Ark, the Tabernacle, the priesthood, Moses, Joshua and the elders, and the singers and musicians there really isn't much comparison. And think about the manifest Glory of God that was traveling with the Jews! Not a difficult choice except to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Kind of shortsighted, don't you agree!

So it is today. People have their "cows" they are weighing against the Glory of God in Christ. Perhaps they are having difficulty deciding between the Baby Jesus and the other inhabitants surrounding the manger.

How long will you halt between two opinions? Do you want to spend eternity with Jesus or with your "cows?"

Don't wait too long!

Moo!