By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Joshua 22:22-23 "The Mighty One, God, the LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows! And let Israel know! If this has been in rebellion or disobedience to the LORD, do not spare us this day. If we have built our own altar to turn away from the LORD and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the LORD himself call us to account."_ - NIV
Joshua had settled all the tribes in their respective allotments of the land. The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh had their part east of Jordan. But they had been asked to help the rest of their brothers settle. This was accomplished and they were returning home. At a place called Geliloth near Jordan River, they set up a huge altar. Their purpose was that in the years to come, it would remind their brothers that they belong to each other and that they serve the same God.
When the rest heard of it, they thought they had already departed from God and had set up an altar to worship idols so soon. They were angry and set out to go and attack them. On enquiring from them, the scriptures above record part of their answer. It turned out they had such a noble idea, but their brothers mistook it for an evil intention. They were happy to learn that they meant well. And a large scale war nearly broke out!
Such occurrences happen often as we relate with people. We do certain things with a very clear and honest attitude and with best intentions, but those who hear about, or watch us do it, interpret it in the opposite and develop negative thoughts about us. Unless clarity is sought in good faith, these thoughts may graduate into rumours, fights, wrong decisions, destroyed relationships and a build up of many other evils. May God help us avoid judging and concluding before seeking clarity. Its important to always seek to understand why people do things the way they do before drawing conclusions. _
1 Corinthians 4:5 "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God."_
Shalom children of God