In Joshua 22, Joshua relieved the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their responsibilities after they had faithfully fulfilled all that was commanded of them. In verses 4-5 Joshua sends them off with these words, “Now that the Lord your God has given your brothers rest as he promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan. But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.”
When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan they built an alter. When the Israelites heard about the alter they made the assumption that the alter was for themselves and not for the Lord. They assumed that they disregarded the but in Joshua's instructions. So, before finding out the truth they prepared to go to war against them.
When the Israelites confronted the assumed guilty parties this was the response given to them, “The Mighty One, God, the Lord! The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows! And let Israel know! If this has been in rebellion or disobedience to the Lord, do not spare us this day. If we have built our own alter to turn away from the Lord and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the Lord Himself call us to account.” They continued with their explanation of the construction of the alter as a witness.
The Israelites were ready to go to war! The whole assembly of Israel gathered to go to war against them! This took time and effort to gather the troops. Plenty of time for rumors to travel and for hostility to grow. Did they bother to send someone to get the facts first?...No! They assumed they knew the condition of their hearts was set on rebellion.
But, I love how the supposed guilty party clearly stated that the “The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows!”
One of my frustrations is when people assume things about me. I have had people draw conclusions of me without even taking the time to get to know me or attempt to find out the truth. The people in my life who know me and who have seen into the depths of my heart, have taken the time to sit with me as we share our hearts, have prayed with me, and have walked through very rough terrain alongside me.
There have been times when someone has made a judgement of me and I struggled with those feelings of condemnation when in my heart I knew that I was not guilty. I could plead my case until I was blue in the face. The only thing that eased my restless heart was to know that I could say... “The Lord knows”. With those words, with that Truth, I can let go and not feel like I have to plead my case.
However, I too am guilty of assuming. We all can be found guilty. As frustrated as I get, I am sure the Lord gets very frustrated with me about that same thing. I am so incredibly thankful that the Holy Spirit that dwells within me convicts me in such a way that I don't linger very long in that sin. Because drawing assumptions of others is really putting myself in the place of judge. And there is only One True Judge! His Word is very clear about judging others. In Matthew 7:1-4, Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
“Father, You alone are Judge! You are Mighty! You are Holy! You are the King! You have my heart, Lord! I pray that my every desire is intertwined with Your will for my life!
Dear Heavenly Father, through the power of your Spirit that dwells within me, circumcise my heart! Continue to soften my heart towards others with whom I am quick to make assumptions. Forgive me for putting myself on the place of judging others. I pray that you would give me the ability to see others the way You see them! And for those that have made assumptions of me, give me the ability to extend the same grace, mercy, love and forgiveness that You extend to me.
Lord, I trust you to work all things out for my good. Understanding that doesn't necessarily mean for my comfort. But, always for YOUR GLORY!!!! And there my joy is complete!
In the precious name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen
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