Learning from the “Altar of Witness” near disastrous fiasco. Joshua 22:10-34 Careless Communication Concerning Christians

Introduction Consider this potentially disastrous concoction: Take two united but distinctly different groups of zealous believers of God. Add a monumental yet questionable project created by one group of believers. Mix in a heap of understandable but faulty assumptions on the part of the second group of believers. Without the necessary ingredient of godly communication the outcome would surely be disastrous.

Consider this potentially disastrous concoction:

Take two united but distinctly different groups of zealous believers of God.

Add a monumental yet questionable project created by one group of believers.

Mix in a heap of understandable but faulty assumptions on the part of the second group of believers.

Without the necessary ingredient of godly communication the outcome would surely be disastrous.

Introduction This has happened before (and, unfortunately, continues today). The story of the “Altar of Witness” illustrates the result of careless communication among zealous brethren. Among other lessons that could be gleaned is our need to better communicate with each other and keep from making similarly disastrous mistakes.

This has happened before (and, unfortunately, continues today).

The story of the “Altar of Witness” illustrates the result of careless communication among zealous brethren.

Among other lessons that could be gleaned is our need to better communicate with each other and keep from making similarly disastrous mistakes.

Communication Breakdown Being zealous for God is not enough. The western tribes wanted Israel to remain pure. v. 16-20 Fresh on their minds were the fornication with the Moabites/Midianites. Num. 25:1-9 Another reminder of unfaithfulness was that of Achan. Josh. 7 They were also well aware of God’s laws. Exo. 20:24; Lev. 17:8-9

Being zealous for God is not enough.

The western tribes wanted Israel to remain pure. v. 16-20

Fresh on their minds were the fornication with the Moabites/Midianites. Num. 25:1-9

Another reminder of unfaithfulness was that of Achan. Josh. 7

They were also well aware of God’s laws. Exo. 20:24; Lev. 17:8-9

Communication Breakdown Being zealous for God is not enough. The eastern tribes, on the other hand, wanted a clearly identifiable ‘witness’ to remind all Israel of their unity. v. 10, 21-29 First they made a large altar in appearance (all would be able to see it from a great distance). It was created as a witness that the eastern tribes were to also take part in the sacrificial offerings. v. 27 It also served as a “witness” that Jehovah was their God. v. 34 (cp. Deut. 12:1-7)

Being zealous for God is not enough.

The eastern tribes, on the other hand, wanted a clearly identifiable ‘witness’ to remind all Israel of their unity. v. 10, 21-29

First they made a large altar in appearance (all would be able to see it from a great distance).

It was created as a witness that the eastern tribes were to also take part in the sacrificial offerings. v. 27

It also served as a “witness” that Jehovah was their God. v. 34 (cp. Deut. 12:1-7)

Communication Breakdown A breakdown in communication were the fault of both “sides” of this great predicament. Western tribes were guilty of faulty assumptions: that the eastern tribes acted rebelliously against the Lord. v. 16 Eastern tribes were guilty for not initially communicating their intentions with western leaders.

A breakdown in communication were the fault of both “sides” of this great predicament.

Western tribes were guilty of faulty assumptions: that the eastern tribes acted rebelliously against the Lord. v. 16

Eastern tribes were guilty for not initially communicating their intentions with western leaders.

Learning From the Past Inferences gleaned from this Old Testament story. cp. 1 Cor. 10:11 Among brethren: there will always be potential for misunderstandings: hearsay, wrong information, partial information, etc. No matter how much you think ahead miscommunications (or lack thereof) will occur. Open communication, however difficult, often resolves misunderstandings among zealous brethren who love the Lord. v. 30, 32-33

Inferences gleaned from this Old Testament story. cp. 1 Cor. 10:11

Among brethren: there will always be potential for misunderstandings: hearsay, wrong information, partial information, etc.

No matter how much you think ahead miscommunications (or lack thereof) will occur.

Open communication, however difficult, often resolves misunderstandings among zealous brethren who love the Lord. v. 30, 32-33

Learning From the Past Keeping this type of potential disaster from happening to Christians today. First and foremost among the saints: love – believes all things. 1 Cor. 13:7 Talk through seeming differences striving to understand each other. Try your best to see things from the other perspective: not from a necessarily condemning perspective which blinds your eyes. Tit. 3:1-8 Inform brethren of things you plan on doing for the sake of unity or to keep from potential disagreements.

Keeping this type of potential disaster from happening to Christians today.

First and foremost among the saints: love – believes all things. 1 Cor. 13:7

Talk through seeming differences striving to understand each other.

Try your best to see things from the other perspective: not from a necessarily condemning perspective which blinds your eyes. Tit. 3:1-8

Inform brethren of things you plan on doing for the sake of unity or to keep from potential disagreements.

Conclusion Miscommunication will always be one of the destroying ingredients among brethren. May our zeal for the Lord not get lost in open and godly communication among the saved.

Miscommunication will always be one of the destroying ingredients among brethren.

May our zeal for the Lord not get lost in open and godly communication among the saved.