How can we ensure our actions align with God's commands in Joshua 22:17? Setting the Context “Was not the sin of Peor enough for us? We have not cleansed ourselves from it to this day, even though a plague fell on the congregation of the LORD.” – Joshua 22:17 The western tribes challenge Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh not to repeat the disastrous rebellion at Peor (Numbers 25). Their concern: any act of unfaithfulness endangers the whole covenant community. From this single verse flow several timeless principles for keeping our own conduct in step with God’s commands. Remember the Lessons of Past Sin • Sin is never isolated. At Peor, one tribe’s compromise drew the whole nation under judgment (Numbers 25:1-9). • Unrepented sin leaves residue: “We have not cleansed ourselves to this day.” Even forgiven people may still battle lingering scars and consequences (Psalm 99:8). • God’s judgment is real: 24,000 died in the plague (Numbers 25:9). Scripture recounts it so we will fear repeating it (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11). Guard Against Compromise Today • Stay alert to small deviations. A seemingly minor altar could signal major disloyalty (Joshua 22:10). • Weigh every new practice against God’s revealed pattern in Scripture (Deuteronomy 12:32). • Refuse to separate private choices from communal impact; personal disobedience affects family, church, and nation (Joshua 7:1). Pursue Ongoing Cleansing • Regular self-examination: “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23-24). • Swift confession and repentance when the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). • Accept God’s discipline as loving correction, not rejection (Hebrews 12:5-11). Stay Centered on Covenant Worship • God prescribed one altar at the tabernacle; any rival altar blurred allegiance. • For us, Christ is the exclusive meeting place with God (John 14:6; Hebrews 8:1-2). Guard against any substitute—whether ritual, ideology, or tradition—that competes with Him. • Corporate worship strengthens accountability; isolation breeds drift (Hebrews 10:24-25). Cultivate Community Accountability • The western tribes confronted their brothers promptly and personally (Joshua 22:15-18). • Truth spoken in love can rescue others from disaster (Galatians 6:1). • Welcome others to question your choices; hiding is a red flag (Proverbs 27:17). Live With a Holy Fear • “Serve with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Fear of displeasing God restrains compromise and motivates wholehearted obedience (Proverbs 16:6). • This fear is balanced by confidence in His steadfast love (Psalm 103:11-13). Practical Steps for Today 1. Daily Bible intake—aligns thoughts and desires with God’s standard (Psalm 119:9-11). 2. Memorize warnings like Joshua 22:17; let history instruct present choices. 3. Maintain transparent relationships where sin can be confessed and corrected. 4. Evaluate every decision—career, entertainment, relationships—by asking, “Does this reflect loyalty to the LORD alone?” 5. Celebrate God’s past deliverances; gratitude fuels obedience (Deuteronomy 8:10-11). Conclusion Joshua 22:17 reminds us that yesterday’s sin still warns today’s saints. By remembering past judgments, guarding against present compromise, pursuing ongoing cleansing, centering on true worship, embracing accountability, and walking in holy fear, we align our actions with the unwavering commands of our faithful God. |
    |