Fear Daily Devotional - Feb 28

February 28

Joshua 22:24
24: “But in fact we have done it for fear, for a reason, saying, ‘In time to come your descendants may speak to our descendants, saying, “What have you to do with the LORD God of Israel?”

Comment 

This passage is one small thought in a large conflict/discussion between two and a half tribes of the twelve tribes that came out of the desert.  ( the Ruebenites, the Gadites and  one-half the tribe of Manasseh) These tribes were positioned on one side of the Jordan, away from the rest of the tribes far from the altar where the sacrifices were made.  They had built an altar themselves and were being reprimanded by the other tribes for doing so.  In their calm, confident explanation of their reason for building the altar, the statement above is made.

They explain that the built the altar “for fear” that the distance from the other tribes would lead their people and their children away from the knowledge of the Lord.  They wanted a physical reminder of all that God had done for them and thus they built the altar.  They even promised that they their intent was not to use the altar for sacrifices, just as a visible reminder of God’s promises and presence in their lives.

I was moved in my study, by the calmness and confidence of their rebuttal.  They did not become defensive but just presented their reasoning.  I realized that they were able to keep this demeanor because they knew, that they knew that they were only doing what they believed God would have them do.  I realized that in order to be strong in my convictions, in order to present my story to others about how God has moved in my life, I must hear from Him and know that I know.  I must stay close enough  to know I hear His voice.  What an obligation and what a blessing!

Lord, please remind me to stay close to You, in order to hear You clearly, so I can calmly and confidently present my convictions anytime I am called to defend my beliefs.  Amen.