How can Joshua 22:28 inspire us to uphold our faith traditions today? Setting the Scene: Why an Altar on the Jordan? Joshua 22 recounts how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned to their lands east of the Jordan after helping conquer Canaan. Before crossing, they built a large replica altar. Joshua 22:28 explains their motive: “Therefore we said, ‘If they say this to us or to our generations to come, then we will reply: See the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made—not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’” A Replica Altar as a Faithful Witness • The altar was not for sacrifice but for testimony: a permanent, visible reminder that the eastern tribes shared the same covenant with the LORD as those west of the Jordan. • It answered a future challenge before it arose: when descendants questioned their loyalty, the altar would speak on their behalf. • This tangible symbol protected unity, truth, and obedience. Lessons for Preserving Faith Traditions Today • Establish visible reminders of God’s work. Just as stones from the Jordan (Joshua 4) and this replica altar recalled God’s faithfulness, physical or habitual reminders—family Bibles, church ordinances, Scripture art—anchor our memories. • Anticipate generational drift. The builders looked ahead “to our generations to come.” We, too, must prepare our children to face skepticism and cultural pressure. See Deuteronomy 6:6-9. • Bear witness to shared faith, not private opinion. The altar unified twelve tribes under one covenant; likewise, historic creeds, confessions, and ordinances root believers in common truth (Ephesians 4:4-6). • Guard orthodoxy with humility. The replica altar showed zeal for purity without offering unauthorized sacrifice. Fidelity never excuses innovation that contradicts God’s explicit commands (Leviticus 10:1-2). Practical Ways to Build “Witness Altars” Today • Celebrate ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper publicly proclaim the gospel (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Keep Scripture central: read it aloud at meals, display verses, memorize together (Psalm 119:11). • Mark God’s answers to prayer with journals, testimonies, or commemorative stones in the garden—tangible stories your children can ask about. • Preserve and sing doctrinally rich hymns that state core truths plainly (Colossians 3:16). • Record family faith stories: write, film, or tell them so descendants will know the “wonders He has performed” (Psalm 78:4-7). Guarding Against Misunderstanding and Division • Clarify motives before conflict escalates. The eastern tribes sent a delegation to explain their altar (Joshua 22:15-18). Today, transparent communication about practices prevents suspicion. • Test every tradition by Scripture. The altar passed inspection because it aligned with God’s commands; our customs must likewise submit to the Word (Acts 17:11). • Contend for the faith graciously. Jude 3 urges us to “contend earnestly,” yet the delegation went first with questions, not accusations—modeling truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The Enduring Call to Pass On the Faith Paul charged Timothy, “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching… Guard the good deposit” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Joshua 22:28 offers a vivid Old-Testament parallel: build safeguards that testify, unify, and teach. By intentionally crafting visible, Scripture-saturated reminders, we echo the replica altar—erecting witnesses that proclaim to every coming generation, “We belong to the LORD.” |
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