May 21, 2010
The three tribes that were given land on the (east) side of the Jordan were told they could go back home. They promised to help the Israelites remove the enemy and they had fulfilled that promise. Joshua called them together and reminded them of Moses instructions to them (KJV):
The three tribes returned to their land on the east side of the Jordan and built an altar. The other Israelites sent leaders from each tribe to confront them. They thought they were building the altar to worship other gods and they wanted to prevent the wrath of God from being against Israel. IF they (the three tribes) had left their beliefs behind and were now worshiping false gods the other tribes were willing to go against them and destroy them in order to obey God and the first commandment. It turned out they weren't worshiping false gods, it was instead a replica of the real altar, meant to be a reminder to all tribes of who the true God was/is.
The point here is the importance of standing up for who God is, even if (or maybe I should say especially if), you see a fellow believer slipping away in their faith. Achan sinned, and he brought trouble to ALL the Israelites. We each have a responsibility to first make sure our own hearts are pure and then to make sure we confront sin not only in our lives but in the lives of others as well.
Stand up. Stand firm.
Next Entry: Joshua 23:1 – 24:33
The three tribes that were given land on the (east) side of the Jordan were told they could go back home. They promised to help the Israelites remove the enemy and they had fulfilled that promise. Joshua called them together and reminded them of Moses instructions to them (KJV):
- Love the LORD your God
- Walk in his ways
- Keep his commandments
- Cleave (stay close to him)
- Serve him with all your heart and soul
The three tribes returned to their land on the east side of the Jordan and built an altar. The other Israelites sent leaders from each tribe to confront them. They thought they were building the altar to worship other gods and they wanted to prevent the wrath of God from being against Israel. IF they (the three tribes) had left their beliefs behind and were now worshiping false gods the other tribes were willing to go against them and destroy them in order to obey God and the first commandment. It turned out they weren't worshiping false gods, it was instead a replica of the real altar, meant to be a reminder to all tribes of who the true God was/is.
The point here is the importance of standing up for who God is, even if (or maybe I should say especially if), you see a fellow believer slipping away in their faith. Achan sinned, and he brought trouble to ALL the Israelites. We each have a responsibility to first make sure our own hearts are pure and then to make sure we confront sin not only in our lives but in the lives of others as well.
Stand up. Stand firm.
Next Entry: Joshua 23:1 – 24:33
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