“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'” Matthew 16:24
This morning, I read Numbers 32:1–12, where the tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with part of the tribe of Manasseh, are facing a pivotal decision. They’ve discovered fertile land east of the Jordan River and are tempted to settle there rather than joining their fellow Israelites in conquering Canaan. Moses, their leader, expresses concern about this choice, fearing it may divide the nation. However, after assurances from Reuben and Gad, they agree to prioritise the common good over personal desires. They pledge to lead the conquest of Canaan before settling in the land they desire. They also knew that going to war could mean losing everything.
This story underscores the importance of sacrificing personal ambition for the greater mission—a theme echoed in the account of two brothers’ request for positions of honour in Christ’s kingdom. Christ redirects their focus to sacrificial service rather than personal ambition (Mark 10:35–45).
As followers of Christ, we’re called to a similar mission: to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations. This task demands sacrifice and selflessness. Early Christians exemplified this commitment, enduring persecution and death to spread the message of salvation. They prioritised God’s kingdom over personal comfort, mirroring the choice of Reuben and Gad. Despite facing immense challenges, the apostles and early believers remained resolute in their mission. They endured opposition and persecution, driven by unwavering faith in Christ’s message.
Today, we’re heirs to this legacy. We’re tasked with sacrificing personal ambition for the advancement of God’s kingdom. This may require stepping out of our comfort zones and making tough decisions. But empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can persevere.
Let’s each play our part in making disciples of all nations. Through sharing the gospel and fervently praying, let’s do so with dedication, selflessness, and unwavering faith. Together, let’s advance the kingdom of God and bring glory to His name.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk