What lessons on stewardship can we learn from the Reubenites' actions? Setting the Scene “...They cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him. They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 donkeys—and they took 100,000 captives.” (1 Chronicles 5:20-21) What the Reubenites Actually Did • Sought the Lord before and during conflict (v. 20) • Trusted His direct intervention for victory • Gained vast resources—livestock, goods, and manpower • Acknowledged God as the true source of their success (v. 22) Stewardship Lessons Drawn from Their Actions 1. Ownership Belongs to God • Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • The livestock they captured became part of God’s provision, not personal trophies. 2. Prayer Precedes Possession • They “cried out to God” (v. 20). • James 4:2—“You do not have because you do not ask God.” • Genuine stewardship begins by submitting plans and needs to Him. 3. Trust Unlocks Resources • Their faith led to divine help (v. 20). • Proverbs 3:5-6—Trusting God aligns us with His paths of provision. 4. Accountability for Large and Small • Luke 16:10—Faithful in little, faithful in much. • Managing 250,000 sheep demanded systems, discipline, and fairness—principles equally vital for today’s budgets and projects. 5. Stewardship Extends Beyond Money • They took “100,000 captives.” People are a sacred trust (Genesis 1:27). • Colossians 4:1—Masters must treat servants justly and fairly, knowing they, too, have a Master in heaven. 6. Victories Are Meant for Kingdom Purposes • 1 Chronicles 5:22 notes the battle “was of God.” • Every gain—career, property, influence—should advance His glory (1 Peter 4:10-11). 7. Generosity Flows from Abundance • Proverbs 3:9-10—“Honor the LORD with your wealth…then your barns will be filled.” • Their increase set them up to give sacrificially to temple worship and community needs (cf. Numbers 32:1-5, later tithes commanded in Deuteronomy 14:22-29). 8. Future Consequences of Stewardship Choices • Later, these same tribes were exiled for abandoning God (1 Chronicles 5:25-26). • Stewardship is ongoing; past faithfulness does not excuse future neglect (Matthew 25:14-30). Putting It into Practice Today • Begin every plan—financial, vocational, philanthropic—with earnest prayer. • View paychecks, assets, and relationships as God’s property on loan. • Track resources diligently; aim for integrity whether overseeing a household budget or a corporate ledger. • Channel surplus toward gospel work, community relief, and discipleship efforts. • Remember: faithfulness today safeguards blessings for tomorrow, while neglect invites loss. Stewardship is not just management; it is worship in action, mirroring the Reubenites’ moment of victory when they placed their trust—and their newfound wealth—under God’s sovereign hand. |
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