Today I read Joshua 22, in which the Eastern tribes return home and build an altar. I considered that sometimes people want a visual reminder that they belong to God and serve God.
Eastern Tribes Altar
The eastern tribes of the children of Israel were given instruction by Joshua to return home to their land on the other side of the Jordan but make sure they followed God (Joshua 22:1-34). The eastern tribes of the children of Ruben, Gad, and half of Manasseh built a great altar next to the Jordan. When the children of Israel on the west side heard they were prepared to go to war against them. They sent Phinehas and ten princes to the eastern tribes to ask about the altar. The eastern tribes explained the altar was not for sacrifices or burnt offerings but as a witness between them and the west that they would serve the Lord. The western tribe representatives were glad and left to go tell the children of Israel. They agreed the altar was a witness that the Lord is God. Sometimes individuals want something to show that they are following God.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Many people wear crosses, praying hands, fish, and other things to remind them and show others they believe in serving God.
What do you think about people putting on something or putting up something like an altar to show that they love God?