March 15: Joshua 22-24

We read today of two monuments that were built: one by the eastern tribes and the other by the western tribes of Israel.

1. After they had helped the other tribes in the conquest, the Gadites, Reubenties and half of the Manasseh tribe were returning to their land east of Jordan. On the way they built an impressive altar. When they heard of it, the rest of Israel assumed that their brothers had rebelled against their LORD. But we saw that the reason was quite the opposite, one that pleased everyone. As a sign for future generations of the tribes west of Jordan, the eastern tribes built the altar:
- as a witness between both sides that the Lord is God
-so that the geographic boundary between them would not become a faith boundary
- to show that these two and a half tribes inherited God's promise as well; that they have a share in Him
- to show that the eastern tribes promise to worship the Lord and will continue to fear Him
- so that they will be ready for future spiritual difficulties of their community (the weakening of the faith of future generations)

2. Later Joshua gave instruction to the rest of the Israel tribes on the west side of the Jordan. He gave:
- a recap of Israel’s history and God's faithfulness throughout: God fulfilled all his good promises
- another warning that there would be consequences if they would turn away from the One who protects them
- a challenge to "fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness"
- a reminder that God is a holy and jealous God and cannot tolerate them loving false gods instead of Him.

The western tribes declared that they themselves are witnesses to their commitment to God. So Joshua put up a large stone to commemorate their promise.

I loved both these stories and the faith Israel displayed at this present time of their history. How confident they sounded in their God! They made it clear that they knew God: their Mighty One, the Lord their God. They made promises of faithfulness to God and wanted a permanent reminder of those commitments.

We see monuments in every city today of things that its citizens should remember, we take pictures of moments in our lives so that we would remember, we give 'Things Remembered' gifts on important occasions, we give each other promise rings. But what do we promise God and how do we remember our promises? Have you ever made any vow to Him? Have you ever said to God: My most faithful friend, I will too be faithful! (Ouch! Have I?!) I think we cannot deny that God, sure, asks things of us. We've all felt the tug on our hearts. Sometimes we do make promises to God but then we break them, again and again. Still, He is patient with us. Look how He fulfilled His oath to Israel to give them the Promised Land despite them betraying His trust in the desert. Even though it's hard for us to promise God all our faithfulness, this is what He asks of us. I know we will shortly see again that Israel were not perfect, but in today's reading we see that they are willingly promising faithfulness.

Is God asking you to promise him something (or is He maybe just asking you that two of you start by simply talking?)

"So be very careful to love your God." (Joshua 23:11)