By Joshua chapter 22, most of the tribes of Israel had settled in their own respective territories. Except two and a half of them! Namely, Reuben and Gad and half of Manasseh!

They are the Jews who had chosen NOT to live in the heart of the land God had promised the Israelites!

They would live on the east side (the wrong side) of Jordan, the River Jordan. Just SHORT of the land their brethren would occupy! Not dwelling in the fields they had been commanded to conquer! That way, for these 2 1/2 tribes anyway, fewer giants had to be fought. And more convenience could be enjoyed, they having much cattle and that acreage being much more conducive to livestock! For the sake of ease and financial success … they followed the path of “least resistance!”

Their attitude shows, I believe, a bit of indolence (laziness) about things spiritual … and a bit of audacity about things financial! (Although these people were required to send soldiers to help the other Jews overcome their enemies … in the territory west of Jordan. Still, their wives and children and possessions never set a foot across the Jordan River!)

Little wonder then … this laxity of spirit led to yet another questionable issue in the life of Israel.

When Joshua granted the soldiers that Reuben and Gad and half of Manasseh had sent into war, granted them “leave” to return to their cattle and wives and children … yet another problem arose!

“And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh BUILT THERE AN ALTAR by Jordan, a GREAT ALTAR to see to.” Joshua 22:10, Mercy!

They built an (unauthorized) altar by the River, near their self-claimed land!

They were supposed to worship at the Tabernacle wherever it was erected at any given time!

But these men who wanted “ease” for their business enterprises … also wanted “ease” in their worship endeavors!

They built an altar of convenience … merely “to see!”

Which (read all of chapter 22) nearly caused a civil war!

Which fell short of complete obedience to Almighty God!

Which nearly violated the Ten Commandments!

My point today?

Do not be lethargic, lukewarm, listless in your service to God!

Such half-heartedness always leads to spiritual disaster.

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell