Deuteronomy 3:18-29
Some people regret all their lives not having been keen in their schooldays. And parents, who are not always listened to, warn their children that they are working for themselves and that poor studies run the high risk of being penalised by a poor career; all their future is at stake. Is it not the same with the Christian? Except that his entire life is made up of school years. If in the Christian life on earth he is a lazy pupil, an amateur lacking in the only right ambition for the Christian (2 Corinthians 5:9 R.V. margin), if he does not see very far ahead, ("afar off"), his entry into the heavenly glory will not be richly blessed ("ministered abundantly"); he will suffer eternal loss (2 Peter 1:9; 2 Peter 1:11). The children of Reuben and Gad instruct us to this effect. Being the first to take possession of their inheritance does not constitute the best share. Quite the opposite! It is beyond Jordan where "the good land" and "that goodly mountain" are (v. 25). Moses knew this well. What a contrast between the dear leader whose heart was beyond Jordan but who was not allowed to enter, and these two and a half tribes who could have entered into Canaan but had not the slightest desire to do so! And your heart, dear friend, where is it set? In heaven with Jesus or on the earth with its visible things which pass away? (Luke 12:34).