How can Joshua 22:23 inspire us to maintain faithfulness in our communities? Setting the scene: brothers on both sides of the Jordan After years of conquest, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh return east of the Jordan. Before crossing, they erect a large altar by the river. The western tribes fear this new altar signals rebellion against the Lord’s appointed place of worship. They gather for war, but first send Phinehas and ten leaders to investigate (Joshua 22:10–20). The heart cry of Joshua 22:23 “If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from the LORD or to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the LORD Himself demand an account.” The eastern tribes insist their altar is not for sacrifice but for witness—a perpetual reminder that they, too, belong to the covenant people (vv. 24-34). Key truths for today’s faithfulness • Loyalty to God always outweighs convenience or personal preference. • Visible reminders of covenant commitment strengthen future generations. • The community must lovingly confront anything that even appears to drift from God’s revealed pattern. • Genuine believers welcome examination and are quick to correct misunderstanding. Guarding community worship The Lord had chosen one altar at the tabernacle (Deuteronomy 12:5-7, 13-14). By affirming, “may the LORD Himself demand an account,” the eastern tribes declare their intent to uphold that single, God-appointed center. Their example calls local congregations to guard corporate worship from innovations that distort the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9) while still using wise symbols to remind everyone of shared faith. Accountability and transparency • Mutual confession and prayer keep hearts clean (James 5:16). • Iron sharpens iron; honest dialogue strengthens faith (Proverbs 27:17). • “Walk in the light” so fellowship remains unbroken (1 John 1:7). Zealous for unity “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). The western tribes did not rush blindly into conflict; they sought clarification. The eastern tribes did not bristle with offense; they clarified motives. Both sides valued unity rooted in truth, not compromise. Practical steps for modern communities • Keep core doctrines central; let lesser preferences remain secondary. • Use public testimonies, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper as “altars of witness” to God’s saving work. • Establish clear lines of communication among churches and leaders. • Respond to perceived error with investigation, Scripture, and humility instead of rumor or aggression. • Encourage each member to invite scrutiny of personal beliefs and practices. • Celebrate shared victories to reinforce a sense of one people under one Lord. Living altars of witness Believers themselves become enduring witnesses: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). When lives are laid on God’s altar in obedient worship, entire communities see tangible proof of faithfulness. Joshua 22:23 reminds the church to build no rival altars yet to erect many reminders—testimonies, acts of love, sacrificial living—that boldly declare, “We belong to the Lord.” In this way communities remain steadfast, united, and unmistakably faithful. |
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