“Today we know the Lord is among us because you have not committed this treachery
against the Lord as we thought…And all the Israelites were satisfied
and praised God and spoke no more of war against Reuben and Gad.”
Joshua 22:31, 33
The accusing tribes thought their brothers did something wrong, but after they stopped to listen, they declared, “Today we know the Lord is among us!” Could it be that God was among them that day, sparing them from bloodshed, because of what transpired between the brothers?
It has always been God’s plan for His people to live in unity that flows from truth. That’s why He admonishes us to tell our neighbors the truth…in love (Ephesians 4). So, God was pleased with the Israelite brothers that day, both those who spoke the truth AND those who listened to the truth. The unity that resulted made a perfect home for the God of Truth!
We certainly need that kind of unity in the brotherhood of mankind today. Perhaps we could learn from our Israelite brothers and begin to stop, look, and listen to each other. Then the God of Truth would come dwell among our unity as well!
Notice that when the Israelites were in unity, they no longer spoke of war with their brothers! Today we are exhausted from war in our streets, but when the God of Truth dwells among us, HIS healing power will work miracles! That is…IF each of us takes responsibility!
Today, where do I need to stop, look, and listen?
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