Sometimes we get discouraged and don't see that our lives make a difference to anyone.... I know I have felt this way many times over my 60+ years but I took heart after reading this devotional from "Truth for Life" this morning.
Yes, the tribe of Dan was last yet also important. God had said who was to be last and His plans are ALWAYS for good.
When ever we begin to doubt our lot in life we must consider that we had no choice in the "how" and "where" we came in to this world, and we need to consider with a thankful heart that we are exactly where God planned for us to be. The place where He has set me down for His good and His glory!!
Yes, some days I feel like a "straggler" just hanging on....yet in the case of the tribe of Dan.... God put them there to be of encouragement and help to others on their faith walk!!
From this I see that it is good to thank and praise God for right where I am every step of my faith walk. And yes, sometimes I will be in the last straggler bunch but I take comfort that my God is my "rear guard!!"
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Help the Stragglers
They shall set out last, standard by standard. -- Numbers 2:31
The camp of Dan brought up the rear when the armies of Israel were on the march. The Danites occupied the hindmost place, but their position wasn’t unimportant, since they were as truly part of the company as were the foremost tribes. They followed the same fiery cloudy pillar, ate of the same manna, drank of the same spiritual rock, and journeyed to the same inheritance. Come, my heart, cheer up, even though last and least; it is your privilege to be in the army and to fare as they fare who lead the expedition. Someone must be at the rear in honor and esteem, someone must do menial work for Jesus, and why shouldn’t it be me? In a poor village among an ignorant peasantry or in a back street among degraded sinners, I will work on and take my assigned place at the rear.
The Danites occupied a very useful place. Stragglers have to be picked up on the march, and lost property has to be gathered from the field. Fiery spirits may dash forward over untrodden paths to learn fresh truth and win more souls to Jesus; but some of a more conservative spirit may be well engaged in reminding the church of her ancient faith and restoring her fainting sons. Every position has its duties, and the slowly moving children of God will find their peculiar state one in which they may be eminently a blessing to the whole company.
The rear guard is a place of danger. There are foes behind us as well as before us. Attacks may come from any quarter. We read that Amalek fell upon Israel and slew some who were at the rear. The experienced Christian will find much work for his weapons in aiding those poor doubting, desponding, wavering souls who are slowest in faith, knowledge, and joy. These must not be left unaided, and therefore let it be the business of well-taught saints to bear their standards among the rear guard. My soul, watch tenderly to help the stragglers today.
Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg