Although Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were permitted to settle with their families and cattle on the east side of the Jordan River, they were required, nevertheless, to endure the hardships and dangers of the invasion and occupation of Canaan.

The contented believers of our day must fight anyway. Even though they are satisfied with coming short of the fullness of the Glory of God, remaining selfishly wrapped up in their own house and yard, they still are required to fight alongside their fellow members of the Body of Christ who are attempting to enter their own inheritance in the Lord and also are trying to bring the Good News to those who never have heard.

While we are in the world we must fight. It is impossible to find a comfortable niche and there worship God, leaving the rest of the believers (and the unsaved) to gain their own place of safety and contentment.

The inheritance of Christ and of the coheirs with Him is the nations and the farthest reaches of the earth (Psalm 2:8). Satan still is in control of Christ's inheritance. Christ's enemies have not as yet been subdued under His feet.

Every member of the Body of Christ is obligated to put on the whole armor of God and to participate in the conflict of the ages, as the Spirit of God directs him.

Several countries of the world are safe and comfortable for the Christian believer. He or she can find a home, work, raise a family, and attend church.

Other parts of the earth are not safe and comfortable for the believers in Christ. The Christians are being persecuted, imprisoned, sometimes tortured and put to death.

Numerous Christians of today, especially those who live in the safe and comfortable areas of the world, are "at ease in Zion." They suppose that by living somewhat decently and attending church on a regular basis they are fulfilling the requirements of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh felt that their request was perfectly proper and in Divine order. It is likely they were amazed at the furious indignation of Moses.

The true Christian of today is spending and being spent for the Gospel of the Kingdom. Every moment of his time, every dollar of his money, is on the altar of God. He is dedicated totally to using the talents the Lord has given to him in order that the work of the Kingdom may be accomplished; that the enemy may be driven out of Christ's inheritance and utterly crushed.

How do you think that God regards these two different kinds of believers? The one group is living to themselves with their families and "cattle." The other group is entering faithfully and courageously into Kingdom warfare. Is it true that the first group loves its blessings and the second group loves the Lord?

Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. (Judges 5:23)

The curse invoked on Meroz by the angel of the Lord was not because of moral sin, it was because of the unwillingness of the Israelites who lived in Meroz to participate in the warfare of the Lord. They did not come to the aid of the King, the Lord of Armies.

It is not enough to keep ourselves from sin. We must take up our cross and follow the Lord Jesus Christ into service in the Kingdom of God.

To be continued.