What lessons from Joshua 22:10 apply to maintaining unity within the church today? The Setting “When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the sons of Reuben, the sons of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan.” (Joshua 22:10) • The eastern tribes are returning home after faithfully serving their brothers in conquering Canaan (Joshua 22:1-9). • Their unexpected altar is misread by the western tribes as rebellion, threatening Israel’s unity and covenant fidelity. First Insight: Protecting Shared Worship • Israel’s life was centered on the one altar at Shiloh (Deuteronomy 12:5-7). • Any rival altar risked splintering their devotion to the LORD. • In the church, a single focus on Christ’s finished sacrifice keeps us one (Hebrews 10:12-14; Ephesians 4:5). Application – Keep teaching and songs Christ-centered. – Evaluate programs and traditions: do they direct attention to Jesus or to ourselves? Second Insight: Guarding Against Dangerous Assumptions • The western tribes “heard it said” (Joshua 22:11) and assumed the worst. • Assumptions grow where communication is thin; they can trigger division faster than open sin. Application – Refuse gossip and half-information (Proverbs 18:13). – Verify before vilifying; ask, “Do I have the full story?” Third Insight: Prompt, Gentle Confrontation • Israel did not ignore the report; unity is preserved by addressing issues, not burying them (Matthew 18:15). • They sent a delegation led by Phinehas, combining urgency with representation—no anonymous rumors. Application – Go quickly but respectfully to the source when concerns arise. – Bring wise witnesses, not a mob, when matters affect the whole body. Fourth Insight: Clear Communication Restores Fellowship • The eastern tribes explain the altar is “a witness between us and you” (Joshua 22:27). • Clarifying motive turns potential war into worship (v. 33-34). Application – Share intentions openly; misunderstandings often hide sincere hearts. – Listen as carefully as you speak (James 1:19). Fifth Insight: Visible Reminders of Unity • The altar stood as a perpetual sign that all twelve tribes served the same LORD (v. 28). • Churches benefit from tangible reminders: shared communion, joint service projects, combined prayer gatherings. Application – Celebrate the Lord’s Table regularly (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). – Mark answered prayers and baptisms publicly to reinforce our common story. Sixth Insight: Remembering Covenant History • The tribes rehearse God’s past judgments (vv. 16-20) and mercies; history guides present decisions. • Recalling Calvary and the empty tomb anchors us amid modern tensions (Romans 5:8-10). Application – Tell testimonies of salvation and deliverance often. – Study church history that showcases God’s faithfulness across generations. Living It Out Together • Cultivate Christ-centered worship. • Confirm facts before reacting. • Address issues promptly and face-to-face. • Communicate motives with humility. • Establish symbols and practices that spotlight shared faith. • Rehearse God’s saving acts to keep current challenges in perspective. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) |
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