Joshua 21:41-45 ; Joshua 22:1-6
In contrast to the Levites whose portion was the LORD we meet again here the two and a half tribes who were firmly attached to their earthly goods. Laden with riches taken from the enemy, blessed by Joshua, it might seem as though all was well for these men of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh. But not so! While crossing Jordan again, which they had formerly done in so grand a manner, they were to suffer great loss! The ark was not with them in this second crossing; it remained in Canaan. You might ask perhaps: "What were they to do?" Their families were on the other side! Joshua 22:19 shows that there was yet time to have these come into the land too. Besides which, did not the Lord Jesus say: "He that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:37)? Alas, how many young Christians having begun well, fought well, have then gone away both from the Lord and the rest of God’s people. And often it is because of family ties which they have formed wilfully, having no respect for God’s rightful claims. We seem to hear the sad question which the Lord put to His disciples "Will ye also go away?" (John 6:67). Reader, if He were to ask you the same question today, would you reply in the same way as His disciple Peter?