SCRIPTURE: Joshua 22:10-34
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
1. “Built an imposing altar there by the Jordan… whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them” – The Law of Moses warned against building an alternate place of worship (Leviticus 17:8-9), and therefore this was seen as a breaking of the faith (covenant) with God.
2. “Was not the sin of Peor enough for us?” – See Numbers 25:1-9.
3. “If you rebel against the LORD today, tomorrow he will be angry with the whole community of Israel” – The sin of the one has consequences on the many. This is not cruelty on God’s part, it is the natural result. One person doing drugs has huge implications for family, friends, even strangers.
4. “No! We did it for fear that some day your descendants might say to ours, ‘What do you have to do with the LORD, the God of Israel?” – These tribes were afraid that they would lose their place in the nation because they lived on the other side of the Jordan.
5. “Now you have rescued the Israelites from the LORD’s hand” – The leaders lived with a deep sense of awe and respect for the Lord, knowing that He is gracious to those who honour Him but just toward those who defy Him.
6. This is a case of misunderstanding, and a reminder for all of us not to jump to conclusions about what others are doing. In Deuteronomy 13:12-15, Moses says that when an issue like this arises, they should “inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly”. We need to honour God, but we also need to honour our neighbour and not jump to conclusions.
PRAYER:
Lord, as I seek to honour You, help me not to dishonour others. Help me to love You and my neighbour, and do everything I can to be discerning and not judgmental. Amen.
I wonder- where are the signs of unity (altars of witness) between fellow Christ followers and churches today to testify that we all worship the One True God? Where /What are the daily reminders that I have built into my life that testify to myself, my family, my friends and to all that I am in contact with that I worship You, the One True God?
How often have I reacted or responded wrongly because of an ‘assumption’ that I have made. Do I get the whole story, ask the right questions or do I just assume and respond? How has the wrongful assumptions of others hurt me in the past and how have I responded to these hurts? Much has been lost because of hasty reactions to wrongful assumptions……
LORD, send Your Spirit that we may know You better, that we may live by Your grace as we walk in this hurting and broken world. May I live my faith in witness to You the One True God. May my life be an altar of witness to all that You are and all that I am in Christ so that You may be glorified. All glory and honour to You, the One True God.
An altar was built by part of God’s people by the Jordan. When the rest of the people saw this they asked how they could break faith with God. They should come where the Lord’s tabernacle was and worship there. I am my brother’s keeper and should be on guard against sin. In walking in the Lord’s way I must be careful not to jump to any conclusions how others are also worshipping the true God as was shown by the reading. Happiness is when God’s people worship Him together in unity proclaiming how the Lord God has been faithful to them. Help me to do Your will O Lord. Help me to see Your presence by all who desire to follow You. May Your Spririt continue to work among Your people so that they live together in unity and peace and in love and sincerity.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.