Diatribe

​Joshua 22:15-16--They went to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, in the land of Gilead, and told them, “This is what the Lord’s entire community says: ‘What is this treachery you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the Lord and building an altar for yourselves, so that you are in rebellion against the Lord today?’”

Two and a half tribes of Israel built an altar because they would be living across the Jordan River away from the rest of their fellow citizens. The altar would remind the nation that they were followers of God intent on worshiping Him. Phinehas, the priest, and ten tribal leaders approached the Reubenites, Gadites, and Manasseh brethren and blasted them for building what they assumed was an idolatrous platform.  They were ready to go to war!
           
Have you ever been the target of a diatribe based on faulty reasoning? It is not pretty. But often, if just three simple actions were taken, the tirade would not have occurred.

First, we need to ensure when we have an idea that will affect others, we communicate it so that there is understanding. The two ½ tribes failed to explain to their countrymen what they had in mind, which resulted in them drawing a lousy conclusion. Clear communication was crucial given the tumultuous history of their previous forty years.
           
Second, when we see the actions of others, before we jump to conclusions and, even worse, launch into denouncing their action, ask questions. Don’t be so quick to think negatively of others. Before criticizing, exercise prudence. The other tribes were ready to fight when all they needed to do was send a representative to discover their countrymen’s intent. Too often, decisions are made, and verbal beatings are launched without knowing the whole story or details behind an action or set of actions.  Emotions get riled unnecessarily.  Admonishment flows from those who think they are standing on higher moral ground, only to discover they administered an unwarranted verbal beating.
           
​Joshua and Phinehas did not have a cell phone to call the leaders of the east side of Jordan, but they did have a direct line to God. Joshua does not record them praying. They heard about the altar project after it was built. They got riled and assembled an investigative team that harshly judged before wisely asking questions. The third action is to pray. Always seek God’s counsel and wisdom. Prayer is the antidote to presumption. Something to think about . . . in reveration.
           
Inspiration
“As healthy and accurate as assumptions can be, they can be equally dysfunctional and delusional.  It can reach the point where reality is only how we see it.  We need each other to balance our context. We need feedback.”—Chris Schafer and Brent Carter in Intrepid Professionals
 
©2024 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is First Cause’s weekly devotional ministry.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.     
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)