Joshua 22 is a chapter in the Bible that tells of how God's people were quick to jump to the wrong conclusions about their brothers, nearly resulting in Civil War. This was the subject of Rev. Peter Richmond's talk on Sunday evening at the Avenue Centre, which followed singing, prayers, some tips on evangelism and a thought-provoking 'problem page' question.
The men of two-and-a-half tribes of Israel who had chosen land on the east of the Jordan had kept their promise to fight with their brothers in Canaan. After seven years, the entire land was conquered for the Israelites and these men were able to leave for home, with Joshua's blessing and a share of the spoils of war.
Forgetting that they had themselves chosen land the 'wrong' side of the river, they started to feel isolated from the God of Israel. So they built a replica of an altar as a reminder.
Rumours of this quickly reached the other tribes. This seemed like an act of rebellion against God and they were ready to go to war against them. A delegation was sent to the eastern tribes, demanding "how could you reject the God of Israel?"
The Book of Proverbs says that it is folly to answer before listening, and the Bible teaches how to be quick to listen; slow to be angry.
Fortunately, the eastern tribes showed restraint at these accusations and declared "the last thing on our minds is to turn away from God."
Hostilities were over, but was God pleased with the situation? The two-and-a-half tribes had chosen land outside the 'Promised Land' for financial reasons, and it was not long before they would come under judgement for succumbing to the influence of the pagan nations around them.
The pastor explained that the western tribes were right in wanting to stamp out sin, but they were wrong to jump to conclusions - a fault often seen in the Church today.
Sunday services take place at 6 pm at the Avenue Centre in Tenby. If you would like more information, please ring 01646 681805 or visit http://www.hesed.co.uk">www.hesed.co.uk