"Unity, Misunderstanding & Building Altars of Remembrance"
Chapter Summary:
In Joshua 22, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are released to return to their land on the east side of the Jordan River. They had fulfilled their promise to help the other tribes conquer their territories—now it was time to go home.
But on their way, they built a large altar near the Jordan, and this caused a major misunderstanding. The rest of Israel thought they were rebelling against God. Tensions rose—but before war broke out, the truth came out: the altar was not for sacrifice—it was for remembrance. It was a witness, not a rebellion.
Key Lessons:
Honor Your Commitments
The eastern tribes didn’t just receive their inheritance and disappear. They fought alongside their brothers until the mission was complete. Kingdom unity requires shared burdens.
"You have kept all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you..." — Joshua 22:2
Be Careful with Assumptions
The misunderstanding about the altar almost led to war among brothers. Be mindful of jumping to conclusions. Ask questions before reacting.
“Do not rebel against the Lord by building an altar...!” — Joshua 22:19
“No! We did it for fear that someday your descendants might say to ours…” — Joshua 22:24
Build Reminders of God’s Faithfulness
The altar was built as a witness—to remind future generations of their shared identity and faith. We all need spiritual landmarks that say, “God brought me through here.”
“The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” — Joshua 22:34
Reflection Questions:
Have I fulfilled the spiritual assignments God has given me, even if they weren't directly for my benefit?
How can I avoid assuming the worst in others and seek understanding first?
What “altars of remembrance” have I built to honor what God has done in my life?
Prayer:
Lord, help me walk in unity, keep my word, and build reminders that declare You are God. Teach me to pause before I assume, and always lead with love and understanding. Amen.