the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 1 of 5
Joshua 22:21-34
The children of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh explain their intentions and their sincerity is acknowledged by their brethren. But what good is this fine altar? Was there not another monument set likewise near the Jordan but which represented a contrary thought: the pile of twelve stones, a symbol of the unity of the nation in its divine position? (Joshua 4). But these two and a half tribes lost (like so many Christians) the full enjoyment of their privileges. In Christendom, too, many grand-looking altars have been raised. Scaffolded by men’s imagination, they do not witness to the unity of the Church but rather proclaim its divisions. And the just indignation of the nine and a half tribes shows us just how seriously we have to take the division of God’s people. To raise and set forth grand principles, even where they conform to Scripture, would never replace the enjoyment of the "land". The believer who has experienced this enjoyment is not always able to explain or expound upon it to others. But he can invite them to "Come and see" (John 1:39; John 1:47). "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious" says the apostle Peter, "to whom coming . . . ye are built up a spiritual house . . ." (1 Peter 2:3-5).
