After the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh helped the rest of Israel conquer Canaan, Joshua released them to return to their homes across the Jordan. As he sent them off, he blessed them and charged them to maintain their allegiance to God, saying, “Love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, keep his commands, be loyal to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul” (Joshua 22:5).
The conversation was between Joshua and those three tribes, but his words are also for us today. As the people of God, He calls us to love Him wholeheartedly and walk in His ways. We pattern our thoughts and actions after His very thoughts and actions expressed in His Word. It’s a lifetime of continuous transformation, as we rely on the power of the Spirit to shape and reorient our values and behaviors to look more and more like Jesus. He gets our full allegiance.
Being loyal to God includes being committed to taking a stand for righteousness, even when it challenges our relationships. Sometimes we do this in quieter ways, and other times we take a more vocal stand—like Israel did when they learned the three tribes had built an altar at the border (Joshua 22:9–12).
Israel’s history included many instances of infidelity and rebellion against God. However, Joshua 22 shows us an Israel whose priority was walking in God’s ways, even to the point of being willing to fight their own countrymen. Here was the generation seeing God’s promises fulfilled, and they were determined to be faithful to Him as He had been to them. This is a lesson for us today: Do we desire God’s holiness and presence to the point of boldly standing against anyone or anything that would threaten our allegiance to Him?
It was also a lesson to seek understanding before taking action. Thankfully, the altar was not a sign of rebellion but a show of solidarity. The Eastern tribes built it to ensure unity and permanently mark their inclusion as the people of God (Joshua 22:24). It was a memorial of remembrance and a visual declaration that the Lord was their God and would always be their God. The action of the three tribes is a model for us. Although we no longer use altars, we can still incorporate rhythms of remembrance into our spiritual practices. What could these periods of reflection look like for us?
When we set aside time to remember God’s faithfulness and the many ways He has worked in our lives, we come away with a renewed sense of wonder for who He is, as well as a deeper awareness of His presence. This awareness fosters joy and a confidence that He will be with us throughout every season of life. This can intensify our commitment to love God without reservation, serving Him with all of our heart and soul (Joshua 22:5).
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59 thoughts on "An Altar of Witness"
So many people still struggling with the battles and Israel driving out Canaan from the promised land. Remember, these are not innocent victims. They were very wicked people who mocked God repeatedly. God will not be mocked and he takes sin very seriously. While in this age, we live under grace and forgiveness, however, this time in Israel’s history was before Christ dealt with sin on the cross. We also see throughout the book of Joshua tribes and families (Rahab) spared who believed in the God of Israel and heard of the great miracles He did for them. This means that the tribes who were destroyed would have heard about the God of Israel and the great battles He won for them, but their hearts were hardened and they denied him and chose to fight.
As we read today, God calls us to love and serve him, and to do that we need to destroy the sin in our lives before it destroys us.
Rhythms of remembrance love that
So challenged by this this morning. Lord, thank you for always being faithful even when I don’t put you first. I recommit to you being my first love, and your kingdom being my first priority. Help me to seek you and your Word and your priorities above all else.
Have hope Paula. My son to is in a fallen lifestyle and is learning atheism. While at times it seems impossible God is all about the impossible. Continued prayers for these young men to turn their hearts towards you and see that Christ is the only way. May their wounds be healed by their father so they might know Him. We have hope in Christ
Obedience is power!
I see a different kind of war now. So much anger and blasphemy on Facebook. So much wickedness in the world. The wickedness has ensnared my son Daniel. He is trapped. His mind is ill and caught. I am in battle. This is war with Satanic forces I truly believe. Please Lord save my son. End the wickedness. Help him get out of this lifestyle. Send him angels in the form of doctors, medication and people to help him. He won’t listen to family. Establish the righteous. Help someone to be kind to my son full of the Holy Spirit. Strengthen us together in Christ. Use your power Lord.
Lord help me to have continuous transformation so I have full allegiance to You.
Kristen thank you for sharing your beautiful testimony! God is so good!! I have lost two babies to miscarriage, and I have found God in the suffering. He seeks us when we are lost. He helps us walk with others in their suffering. He is the redeemer! Praying for you Hope. He sees you. You are not alone.
What a Big and amazing God we have that has brought us all together. Thank you for your prayers ladies. Means so so much. ❤️
Although the people of Israel were ready to war against the three tribes, they also listened to gain understanding over their assumption of the purpose of the alter being built. Lord, help us to seek understanding that we may pursue peace and not war among our sisters and brothers.
From one mama with an angel baby to another: praying for you, friend. May God draw you near to him and give you peace which surpasses all understanding.
Praying as I’ve gone through it.
Amen! In agreement, Tina for @ Hope. I also had a miscarriage and a stillborn baby girl named, Angel. My sister-in-law delivered my niece 6 days later. We went to visit her, and when I saw a living, breathing baby in the crib, I couldn’t speak. I just cried. My sister-in-law had cards for rejoicing and I had them for mourning. It’s not that I didn’t want my niece to be here, it was just hard. I have told the story that I was invited to a new church after the burial for Angel. I wouldn’t have gone. I grew up catholic and didn’t know much about God though. A woman caught my attention. She was singing and praising. I figured she had a perfect life. People were clapping. This was foreign to me. I looked up and thought, God, why did You bring me here. That same woman came up to me and told me that God said to run to Him and not away. How detailed is our God! It turns out that she had money problems and had a miscarriage. No, her life wasn’t perfect, but she seemed so joyful as she was singing and praising. I heard the pastor preach and it was like the message was just for me. (I know that is how God works now. One message touching many in just the right way.) I started going to church there, listening to messages outside of church, listening to praise music. A woman asked me to work at her Christian daycare, because she said Hod told her to ask. Her daughter had also lost a baby. God used many people to help me and share ways to learn about Him. Angel never took a breath, but her life has purpose. I didn’t read the Bible and I was lost and not saved but didn’t know this. After her death, I found this out. My friend’s baby was stillborn almost on the exact day years later. I was able to be there for her. I told her that her son’s life had purpose too. I would have never chosen to lose her. I thought about all the things she would never do, but now I realize she is with Jesus. She is in Heaven. In His Presence is fullness of joy and laughter. I’m so sorry for your loss and pain. Saying prayers. God bless.
Would we stand against anything that might come between our allegiance to our God who is truly faithful in every way? It might be friends or colleagues or family or even ourselves at times. I know there are moments when everything from my perspective seems as if it is going all wrong or falling apart and I might fall into the temptation to doubt or take things into my own hands. In the end though, no matter what God has it all set for a purpose and He knows the heart of each person that is underneath their actions.
I am so thankful to God for opening my mind to understand the scriptures and meditate on them. It is such a treasure! I hope this post serves as a reminder of my intention to seek him.
@HOPE, Praying dear heart, that you know the loving arms of the Father who walks with you in this season. Praying your mind and heart is set on Him, and that your disappointments and heartaches soon turn to joy..
This verse from Amazing Grace kept playing in my head as I wrote ..
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures..
Sending you a hug from across the pond Hope..❤
Prayers for a hurting victim of miscarriage and pregnancy loss now turning the page on another month with a negative pregnancy test. This season is teaching me that the Lord is preparing my heart to be a mom. He is grooming me in ways that have revealed a lot of convictions such as anxiety, depression, a wedge in my marriage. Jealousy towards others who are pregnant. Ladies – prayers appreciated and I’m shouting words of rejoice over our God who heals and loves us even in the pits. He is Good always.
Same here, Michelle! “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship keeps coming to mind during our readings. Great is His faithfulness!!
An impressive Second altar was built, though against the Deuteronomy instructions that clearly state the LORD alone will choose the place of worship (Deuteronomy 12:13-14). One’s initial thought could be, oh no they did again. But one needs to finish the story to see the heart behind the action. This altar of memorial was misunderstood as an idolatry one, for how different can an altar differs in looks, but the spiritual values behind it, ONLY God can perceive. For God looks to the inside (the heart, the core, the motives), and men can only see the outside (the structure, the construction). The eastern tribes were separated from their brothers by geography, but they wanted to show their longings for “Oneness” with the western tribes. I believe God smiled in this story when his children reconciled, worked through their surface differences and united in one accord. May we not be quick to jump to conclusions, not hasty to make assumptions about our brothers and sisters in Christ, on their “altars” and actions, but through wisdom and patience let us see their deep longings to unite. Let us seek peace and reconciliation with one another. God is the God of one accord. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Today’s reading makes me so thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit. From the passages we read and looking at everyone’s comments, I can see how the Spirit prompts us to action, gently convicts us of our sin, creates intersections/opportunities, and encourages us in our weakness. What a gift that God would seal us with His Spirit and clothe us with power from on High! May we all become more and more sensitive to His voice and leading.
Tingles and Praise for the awesome God we serve Tina!!!!
Taylor, I am praying you would have the confidence to do what the Lord is asking of you. Lord, please continue to give Taylor grace but help her move toward Your perfect will. Lord, I can relate to having our flesh go strongly against what we know You ask of us. Lord, please have mercy but guide her in love toward making the best decisions for herself, as her days continue. I pray for her to trust in You more than herself in this scenario. Please guide her heart and help her to know when and how to let go. Please grant her eyes to see Your perfect, holy will for her life. Help her trust that Your ways are higher and more superior to hers. God, please bless her and comfort her, as you have for me, when I have failed to do your will until it became no other option but to. God, You are merciful in Your love towards us. You give us the choice to say no- but even in our no, You are still present. Father, may You continue to gently lead Taylor to do what You have called her to do in this life- understanding it is but a blink compared to all of eternity. Lord, draw her heart to you and bless her time in Philly. Thank you, Jesus, for your constant mercy and love and acceptance. I pray these things in Your name. Amen.
After concluding my thoughts on today’s lesson, I am thankful to see God’s “witness” to this issue in Israel. I believe the altar is not the true witness, but symbolic of God’s faithful witness between the tribes of Israel. In this chapter 22, we do not see God speak directly to either party. The 9 1/2 tribes come against Gad, East Manasseh, and Reuben and are ready to war. But they make their case and all tribes come to understand they are in agreement about following the Lord. They state their cases as if God is standing in the room judging them. It encourages me to know that even when we don’t visibly see God playing judge/witness – He is in fact working. And this beautiful altar He allowed to be built symbolizes His witness of Israel.
Welcome Crysta! I so look forward each day for the wisdom shared with these sisters. It has been 4 years since my daughter shared this community site with me and it is a wonderful way to start my day. Thank you all for your sharing and sometimes I echo your prayers. Churchmouse I understood the message not stated.
TAYLOR, My heart goes out to you at this time.. decisions to be made, whilst trusting God to perhaps answer your prayers as you hoped..
Heres the thing, you say “But why God” now, God knows i have done in the past, one day sooooooooooooon, though, the why will dissappear and what will be left is
But God..
If you believe He has answered your prayer in the best way Father God does, m might I say, then trust Him. Trust that, He will not steer you wrong, but right. Trust that He will always have your best interest at heart. Trust thst His plan and purpose for you, is and will be perfect!
But God..
I wish you well Taylor, and I will pray for discernment.. as you look to God for the right answers..
Blessings dear heart..
❤
We all should love God with our whole heart ,mind and soul Thank you Lord for reminding me of this today
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His faithful love endures forever. So thankful our Father always leads his children to a good place. Praying we always follow this leading. May we always love Him with all our heart, soul and mind. Help us to walk everyday that leads us to become more like Jesus our Lord and savior
Glory to God, Tina! ♥️
Taylor – thank you for your testimony about your relationship and how God is intervening. It’s something i have related to in past relationships – because I too previously dated a Christian who was abusive. It took many years for me to be comfortable with dating a man (my current partner) who believes in God. Having faith has been a prerequisite in my dating life! It sounds like the same is true for you.
Hallelujah! But God I’m so thankful God blessed you for your obedience to write the letter
Praying for you, Taylor ❤️ I hope you feel peace soon.
Really helpful to know that God is with us and He has put the down payment for us to live eternity with Him by blessing us w the Holy Spirit. It’s a good reminder to alway look back from where I was to know God is always there for me.
TAYLOR, you will remain in my prayers as you yield to God’s plan for this current situation. My heart goes out to you since our son is dealing with a job situation that is not encouraging. Praying also that you find the strength (it’s already there) to overcome that sin problem you have mentioned. Hang in there, sister. Witnessing your love for God and faithfulness in following Him gives me HOPE for our future generations.
Praying for you and your parents Linda. God’s provision for all you and all they are needing. Healing for your Dad. Jesus makes a way where it seems impossible and His love knows no bounds. Thank you Tameshia Williams. Your insight was a blessing today. I love that the Israelites go to fight what they perceive to be a righteous fight and end up being witnesses to the declaration of this altar that the 3 tribes had allegiance and would worship the faithful God of Israel. I need to slow down and see what God is doing even when it is difficult and my natural tendency is to react. For in those moments the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus grace, joy and forgiveness and I get to see that which is unseen and witness how God is moving. Lord give me eyes to see ears to hear and a heart consumed with you! Welcome Crysta. Tina He moves mountains! I wrote a letter to a judge years and years ago for a loved one. I did not see the results of it, but sent it with prayer. It did not change what my loved one had to do. But, it helped my heart to know that I had done what God called me to. He is faithful and His love never fails! His Joy to this day to all of you!
“Being loyal to God includes being committed to taking a stand for righteousness, even when it challenges our relationships. Sometimes we do this in quieter ways, and other times we take a more vocal stand—like Israel did when they learned the three tribes had built an altar at the border (Joshua 22:9–12).” Both sides stood for righteousness and didn’t waiver even under harsh accusations toward the one group. What a lesson for our world today! Blessings all! TINA, your testimony was a perfect picture for this teaching … Thanks for sharing!!!
Tina it reminds me of proverbs 21:1. The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord.; he turns it wherever he will. This has been a special verse for me since I was in vet school in the early 70’s. Originally I memorized it in the KJ.
What really stood out to me in today’s devotion was the righteousness of God. I feel God is enacting His righteousness in my own life and quite honestly it hurts, but I know it’s for my good. I’ve been in a relationship with a non-believer for a few months now – pretty much the entirety of my clinical rotation in Philadelphia. I’ve shared on this site before how I had a really abusive relationship with a believer when I was younger and that has more or less scared me away from dating Christians ever since. God let me go my own way, but now He’s made it evidently clear it’s time to walk away. However, for weeks I’ve been dragging my feet not wanting to end this relationship because of my own sinful tendencies.
And here comes His righteousness… I just got the job offer for an OT position in Delaware. I haven’t heard back from a single other employer of all the places I applied in and around the Philly area where my boyfriend lives. He and I have both discussed that neither of us want a long distance relationship (even though it’s only an hour drive from my parents house in Delaware to Philly). I feel like this is God putting His foot down, and I know it’s for my good. I know He will work ALL things out for me, but this is still a hard season. I feel guilty for not acting in obedience. Obedience has been SUCH a huge and convicting theme in this Lent series. I am falling short, and out of God’s love for me He’s taking care of this situation for me. That still doesn’t make it less painful. This feels like the hard parts of sanctification. God wants my WHOLE heart and this relationship is definitely a “Canaanite” in my life – if you will. Please pray for me. I don’t feel at peace about any aspect of this situation. I’ve prayed for His will to be done in my life and I feel like here it is – but I still whine and say “but why God?” I’m thankful for this community who will pray alongside me and who understand and empathize with this season of life. Thank you for reading and for a space to vent/process/cry out.
Praying for you
Linda – I am praying for your dad as he recovers from his stroke and for you as you carry so much of the weight for your parents presently. Certainly in normal times the church would come along side to ease some of the burden but, our present times have messed with that. May you have the wisdom, strength and guidance you need as well as the provision. May our Creator and Healer work in your father’s body and your mom’s mind. Carry them in this time LORD God and draw them close to You.
Heidi – loved your posts yesterday; vulnerable, real, inspiring – thank you.
Maura – Always appreciate and praise God for you. My soul tingled with joy, literally, at your words, “Hugs dear Lights, Jesus is shining through you.” I have been singing the Addison Road version of, This Little Light of Mine. You are a blessing.
Mercy – Thank you for your words full of encouragement, God’s love, His joy, and strength. There is ALWAYS reason for praise. GOD is good – ALL the time. When we remind each other of that, and live it out in our lives, we help others stand tall and step forward in their faith. Thank you for being that person.
Taylor – As Joshua distributed the Lord’s planned land to the people of Israel, may He lead you to the job He has planned for you.
These are just a few thoughts sisters. As I read through the posts each evening, I pray and praise God for you. I am only one, you are only one, yet we have the flame of the Holy One, the ONE and only God, shining upon us, in us, and out of us. We will shine individually. We will shine communally. We shine because of Him. Praise His Holy Name.
“Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness.
I’m still in Your hands.
This is my confidence: You’ve never failed me yet.”
“Do It Again” by Elevation Worship
I’ve had this song stuck in my head so much during this study. I can’t even begin to describe how much I needed this study! To be reminded over and over of His faithfulness and provision, is reopening my eyes to who God really is, instead of the lies I had started believing. Praise God!
❤
Thank you God for being so faithful. Thank you for always walking with me. Thank you for all the encouragement to continue on even when I’m afraid. Thank you God for being with me on this journey you call life!
Welcome Crysta! This is a wonderful community of women who pray together and walk on this journey together. I’m so thankful that I found this organization when I did. You are so right iron sharpens iron and we are all sisters in Christ here. Together we laugh, grow in Christ, and fellowship together. God bless you!
Today’s reading has me encouraged to write a list of ways the Lord has been faithful to me. I think when we can see His goodness on paper it is such an encouragement. I want a heart that wants to do His will even when it’s hard, as the Israelites were in this instance.
Beautiful purity of heart in this passage.
PHYSICAL distance (and water) separated the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh from the other tribes of Israel and the altar of God.
They were determined that SPIRITUAL distance NOT be a part of that separation for themselves or future generations.
They did not build an altar of idolatry but, an Ebenezer of commitment.
Their ACTION to build and REACTION when questioned, (“The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows and may Israel also know. Do not spare us today, if it was in rebellion or treachery against the LORD…”) exemplified hearts determined, sold-out devotion to Yahweh, beautiful purity.
I find myself singing an old contemporary Christian song as I read this, “Day by Day.” Oh dear LORD, 3 things I pray:
To see Thee more clearly.
To love Thee more dearly.
Follow Thee more nearly.
Day by Day.
Lord God, presently, we have physical distance from the beauty of your face – that, will one day change. Thank you. Yet, you dwell inside the hearts of your children, spiritually present at all times. Your Spirit gives us eyes to see You in the Ebenezer memorials all around us. People. The eyes of child. The hope of the aged. Your Word and words. Steps forward. Hands held. Sunrise, wind against our face, and the heart-leaking tears dropping upon calloused knees. You are Faithful and True. May our, day by day, bring You honor and glory. You are our King. Forever we praise You.
It’s so wonderful to remember God’s faithfulness. We may not build alters but we can build testimonies of His great and mighty works in our lives through journaling. That’s my favorite way to jot down His amazing love for us. He is always working in our lives, constantly pouring out blessings. What a wonderful legacy to leave the next generation!
Tina! Thank you for the early morning tear duct cleanse ;) God’s faithfulness to direct you, your obedience and the the way God blessed that obedience encouraged my heart this morning. The song “The Story I’ll Tell” came to mind. Hugs to you from this side of the pond with gratitude for letting us in on this sweet testimony! xo
@tina you are so inspiring. Your reverence in the Lord is contagious. It’s a testimony in itself. It’s a mountain mover. It’s an earth shaker. It reminds me of the persistent widow and the unjust judge parable in Luke, except you can make an unbeliever a believer.
Hi SRT clan, I’m Crysta.
I’ve been reading along this plan for a little over a week (I think.) I’m so moved by the love I picked up from these comments. SRT is community. This is iron sharpens iron. There’s hope again residing from within that these refreshing encounters actually exists; despite what’s going on today in this pandemic, and my past experiences. Today’s reading was a gentle reminder of God’s faithfulness to remain fixed on him no matter what. That isn’t easy for me, because the heaviness of my distractions are glaring. Despite that, God is reminding me he’s with us. He’s for us, and not against us. We are the head and not the tail. I’ve been praying for the Holy Spirit to refine, or correct everything that needs correction. I trust God is doing the work that needs to be done. His will, and not my own.
Have an amazing wisdom Wednesday SRT clan.
XO
Crysta
TINA – testimonies can’t be too long! Every word of your testimony was needed today and I’m sitting here with tears of joy, praising the Lord for His goodness and mercy. Thank you for sharing … reminds me of a gospel song from years ago, Look What The Lord Has Done!
Praying we will all be aware of His grace and mercies in our lives, bringing to mind the devo from a few weeks ago of the 10,000 things He’s doing in doing and our awareness of only a handful.
The Israelites were ready to go to war against the tribes that had settled across the Jordan River. They prepared for a bloody fight to the death – all over a misunderstanding! The Israelites assumed the two and a half tribes had turned away from God when they built that large altar near the border. Hold your horses, Israelites! You’ve got it all wrong. Praise God that the truth was revealed and the Israelites took the time to listen.
I don’t think I need to explain the personal application.
Tina your letter was a testimony to so many especially your son and grandson! Praising God❤️
Oooops, I hadn’t realised how long my comment was.
Sorry!
❤
Thanks Tina! The witness of God’s goodness goodness goodness g
The testimony of God’s grace and mercy made it worth the while. Thank you Tina❣
If I did not already have a reverence for the Lord.
If I did not already believe God is faithful.
If I did not put my faith in the awesome faithful God.
If I had not been a recipient of His faithful promises.
If I did not already have hope, I tell you what I am about to testify to would have swung it for me..
As most of you may recall, a couple of weeks ago I asked for prayer for my grandson, for whom it looked like, life was going to turn terribly.
In the days leading up to going to court, there was a lot of prayer, I sensed the day before to write a letter to the judge, telling him about this dear boy who was making amends for his stupidity in younger days. Speaking to his father, my son, I explained that this is what I felt to do. He shut me down almost as soon as I had finished my sentence. I explained that for me, it was about doing my best and utmost, so that whatever the outcome, I would know I did my best! “Don’t bother” he said, “The judge has already decided”!
I walked away from thst conversation repeating the words Jesus had spoken… ” if it be your will Lord God…”
I went to bed, heavy hearted, with pen and paper by the bed.. no sign!
I woke up at 4am, pick up pen and paper and proceeded to write my two page letter..
Dear Judge, it began…
When my grandson was ready to go I gave him the letter and told him to MAKE SURE THE LETTER GOT TO THE JUDGE.
The judge did read the letter, not from a doting grandmother, but a realistic one, who sees the good, the bad, the ugly, but also sees who her grandson really is!
The judge in his summary mentioned me a handful of times as to my role in his life..
Thst would have been good enough for me, but here’s the thing that has me spinning, praising, dancing..
With covid going on the judge has all mail, correspondence quarantined for 3 days before he touches them!
Shall I say that again, or did you hear me..?
God, and only God has that kind of power. Only God..
But God…
This awareness fosters joy and a confidence that He will be with us throughout every season of life. This can intensify our commitment to love God without reservation, serving Him with all of our heart and soul..
Amen..❤
Sending love wrapped hugs this windy day out across the pond to you all. ❤
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Great point Megan. I think we need His Spirit to help us to understand where we are compromising His Glory. It takes courage and honesty that He alone supplies with perfect mercy and grace. Even ‘good things’ can become things or ways that disconnect,disrupt, even devastate.To seek Him glorified above all else is a life’s work. May it be joy to Him and us even when we wrestle and writhe on agony. X
It struck me as important to have people in our lives who will confront us in the stand for righteousness as well as listen and gain more understanding. Also, it was a good reminder how the Holy Spirit shapes and reorients us daily, if not hourly, to be more aligned with God. Praise God for that!