Joshua 22:34 (KJV) The Altar Christ Built

Joshua 22:34 (KJV)
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

I am happy that the explanation of the two and a half tribes was able to satisfy their brethren and avoid conflict. I am also certain that their intent was sincere. When they asked about taking their possession outside the Promised Land Moses agreed so long as they helped their brethren conquer it. They kept their word and were sent to their tents “with honors” as it were. 

Having arrived in this new home of theirs they soon realized what they had done. The land on the other side of Jordan looked just right for their needs but it separated them from the children of God and their identity as part of them. I have known many who, for sake of financial benefit, have sacrificed their relationship with a church God placed them in. This altar called Ed was an attempt to retain their identity, but it was a man-made one.

Notice that, though they built it to look like the altar Israel had made upon crossing Jordan, it had none of the power. 

• They had no miraculous parting of the Jordan when they returned to their tents. 
• The stones could not have come from the dried riverbed as was the case of the original

Having no power, the best they could do is make it more visible.

It seems to me that men do this very thing all the time. Having not the power of God upon them, they create: 

• Something big
• Something gaudy
• Something shiny
• Something to catch the attention 

They said they had no desire to worship on this false altar, but only to make it a witness. In fact, there came a day when ten of the tribes were only too willing to worship at a different altar. 

I see no reason to create conflict with those who are convinced their altar is as good as the one Christ built. Let them have it. As for me, I will stay with what I am convinced is the work Jesus built for us; a local, independent Baptist church. 

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

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Joshua 22:34 (KJV) The Altar Christ Built

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