Making Decisions – Exodus 32: 23

When it came time for the Israelites to occupy the promised land, there were some who hesitated because the property east of Jordan suited their purpose for the grazing of cattle. They asked permission from Moses and Eleazar the priest to remain behind as their own promised land. There’s was to grant permission as they considered the request. It was necessary for them to consider the decision whether to agree or not agree and the consequences either way.

This event is a good example of the importance for making good decisions that will affect much of our future. No one is exempt from making decisions. In fact, we make decisions almost by the minute. In our case of this Bible study, you and I are going to review some simple steps to make effective and proper decisions. Notice that these steps were used as a means to resolve this request.

1. We must be organized in our thinking and goals as did the tribes seeking to stay behind.
2. We cannot really make a decision if we haven’t defined the problem. In the case of our text, for making the request they clearly defined the problem and the need for a good place for their cattle to graze.
3. No doubt they researched the problem for the best place where to live.
4. Before they approached Moses and Eleazar they had to discuss among themselves or brainstorm what would be the best solution.
5. After going through these four steps, they made a proposal for what would be best for them and what would not harm the rest of the Israelites.
6. The Israelites put forth their proposal in a meeting to make the request and not just to act on what they thought should be done.
7. After gaining permission from Moses and Eleazar they put their request into action for which would demonstrate a positive result. If they were wrong in their proposal, they would need to start over with these other steps to gain a better result.
8. Those who stayed behind on the eastern shore of Jordon had to use common sense to abandon a bad decision by seeking a new method of solving the problem. Note that no one in this problem-solving episode allowed their ego or personal agenda to get in the way. They used the mature and spiritual process based on what would be good for everyone involved in what would indicate obedience to God.

We know that this occurred thousands of years ago as was recorded in the book of Exodus. We also know that what they did and how they implemented the plan any of us could use today. Obviously, it always includes putting God first in making a decision.