SCRIPTURE: Joshua 22
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
If we have built our own altar to turn away from the LORD and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the LORD himself call us to account. [Joshua 22:23] The tribes on the other side of the Jordan are accused of setting up an alternate altar – against the Lord’s commands. But they know that they are innocent, and are prepared to expose their hearts to the Lord – may the LORD himself call us to account.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. [John 3:21] Jesus describes the person who has a clear conscience, and who allows the Lord to search their heart. To let the Lord look into our heart is a scary thing to do. It is not because they think that they are perfect before God. No, they know there is sin, but they also know that they are sincere in their hatred of sin and their desire to do what is right.
We need to keep our hearts open to the Lord’s searchlight. He is the One Who can search and know our hearts, and then help us, leading us in the right direction. Those who want to do what is right, who desire to be right before God, will not hesitate to stand before the Lord for mercy and help.
Am I open to the Lord, or am I hiding something?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to pray David’s prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. [Psalm 139:23-24]