Joshua 22: An Altar to the Lord

"So the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar: It is a witness between us that the Lord is God."

Joshua 22:34

The Law required that all sacrifices and burnt offerings be done at the altar in the place of God's choosing - the Tabernacle.  Any other altar is considered evil, as an altar to other gods.  The group of Gadites and Reubenites who had settled the land on the other side of the Jordan had set up an altar to the Lord, but were not making sacrifices or burnt offerings on it.

The rest of Israel wanted to go to war with them for opposing the Lord's Law until the altar's purpose was explained.  It was set up as a testament that these Gadites and Reubenites, separated from the rest of Israel by the Jordan, were still God's people.  All future generations would be able to point at the altar and show that they are still connected to the Lord, though they would never make burnt offerings or sacrifices on it.

Question of the Day:

What symbols do you set up around your home to show all who enter that you and your house belong to the Lord?  If I didn't know you, and I walked into your home, would I know that you are in my Family?

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, You know I live an imperfect life, and that I am undeserving of being a member in Your House.  However, You have accepted me anyway, and I am proud to show the world who I belong to!  Help me to arrange the visible appearance of my household and my person so that all who see me know who the owner of my soul is.  Let there be no doubt that I am Yours.  Amen!