31st.: The East Side Altar of Dissent
The land had been conquered.
Now it was time send home the soldiers from the tribes of
the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.
In Josh. 22:1-6, Joshua assembled them, thanked them for their service,
and sent them home to the east bank of the Jordan River.
When they got to the Jordan River, they built
“a great altar to see to” (Josh. 22:10).
The rest of Israel heard about this altar,
"they gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up to war" against the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh (Josh. 22:12).
Israel also sent emissaries to find out why the altar was built.
The altar was meant to be a witness, or a reminder,
that they should do the service of the Lord (Josh. 22:27).
Their intentions were good, but the altar caused confusion.
1. It was not prescribed by Lord.
2. Nor did they ask the Lord.
3. To others, it looked like something meant to worship a false god.
If we want to do something not mainstream, be sure to ask the Lord.
On the other hand, if we see a brother doing something very odd, it is good to ask the Lord also.
Neither side had asked the Lord what was going on.
Fortunately, after much discussion, nothing more came of the issue.
“There are many devices in a man’s heart.
Nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord that shall stand.” (Pr. 19:21)