Rumors And Peacemaking
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesFrom today’s Montana Street bulletin, comes the following above titled article written by Brother John Gipson:
Tucked away in the book of Joshua 22, is a story of an altar. If you remember the background, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh had done their part in conquering Canaan, and were returning to the east side of the Jordan River where their families and cattle were waiting. As they left, Joshua admonished them to keep the commandments of the Lord and to cleave to Him (Joshua 22:1-5).
These two and a half tribes took the charge seriously, and were determined that in their existence far away from the rest of the ten tribes, they would not lose their identity as part of the nation of Israel. So, when they came to the frontier of the land of Canaan on the west bank of the Jordan River, they built a large altar designed to remind them of their identity as Jews, and also the real altar at Shiloh (Joshua 22:10).
Then the rumor began in Israel:
“Have you hear that they built an altar in the region about the Jordan on the side that belongs to us?”
Separated by distance from the two and half tribes, and not taking time for an investigation, Israel gathered the people together to make war (Joshua 22:11-12). This brought about a confrontation in which Israel accused their brethren of building themselves an altar in rebellion against the Lord (Joshua 22:15-16).
Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh explained that the building of the altar was not for sacrifice, but simply a witness “between us and you, and between the generations after us that we do perform the service for the Lord and his presence….” (Joshua 22:26-27). They were not establishing a rival religion. They still wanted to offer sacrifices at Shiloh. They were simply afraid, “lest your children say to our children in time to come, “You have no portion in the Lord” (Joshua 22:27).
Rumors are dangerous! It was true that an altar had been built, but not for the purpose the Israelites thought. Instead of keeping cool until the necessary information was gathered, they prepared for war. Only after honest conversation and careful listening, were they able to bless God, and think no longer of making war. Thus peace was made (Joshua 22:32-34).
I keep wondering if this old story has any significance for brethren worshipping the Lord today.
What do you think?
Related Article:
- The Many Facets Of Hearing