It's Just a Misunderstanding
Joshua 22:11 The ten tribes of Isreal west of the Jordan hear a rumor that the two eastern tribes committed a sin and gear up for war. But before they go to war with their brothers, they send Phinehas, son of Eleazer, to get the facts. Christians need to fact check before jumping to conclusions.
11/10/20251 min read
Now the children of Israel heard someone say, “Behold, the children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region of the Jordan—on the children of Israel’s side.” Joshua 22:11 (NKJV)
The children of Israel overheard a rumor... an alarming accusation that certain tribes had constructed an altar near the land of Canaan, right by the Jordan River. This revelation triggered a flood of emotions among them, feelings of unity, suspicion, and the need for communication. Thinking that the two and a half tribes have sinned against the Lord, they gear up for war. Before they go to war, they send Phinehas, son the Eleazar the priest to get additional information. Phinehas talks to them about his concerns and how their sin could bring down all of Israel, then waits to hear their response. They explain to him that they did not sin when they built the alter because it was not for sacrificial use but rather to serve as a memorial and witness to the unity of all Israel in worshiping God at the central sanctuary. Phinehas takes their explanation back to the rest of Israel, who accepts their answer.
God’s people should respond to misunderstanding in the same manner, according to these same principles. James 1:19 says, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." When there is a misunderstanding, Christians need to:
· Respond with a concern for God’s holiness.
· Respond with directness and clarity.
· Respond with the courage to confront in love.
· Respond with an attempt to reconcile before fighting.
· Be willing to sacrifice to help those believed to be in error; people should not be confronted if there is no willingness to help.
· See the situation from the perspective of the other person.
· Decide to believe the best of one another.
Chose to approach your brother or sister in love when there is a misunderstanding. Satan, our adversary wants to destroy relationships between Christians so that he can weaken us. Don't let that happen and aways choose to see what is good in your brother and sister.