21Then Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh replied to the heads of the clans of Israel:
22"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.
23If we have built our own altar 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.
- P132
30When Phinehas the priest and the leaders of the community—the heads of the clans of the Israelites—heard what Reuben, Gad and Manasseh had to say, they were pleased.
31And Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, said to Reuben, Gad and Manasseh, "Today we know that the Lord is with us, because you have not been unfaithful to the Lord in this matter. Now you have rescued the Israelites from the Lord’s hand."
- P133
32Then Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, and the leaders returned to Canaan from their meeting with the Reubenites and Gadites in Gilead and reported to the Israelites.
33They were glad to hear the report and praised God. And they talked no more about going to war against them to devastate the country where the Reubenites and the Gadites lived
- P133
The two and a half tribes respond to the rest of the nation’s accusation by calmly stating the truth. They reveal the true reason for the altar they built, which is to serve as a witness to future generations that they belong to the Lord, since they live beyond the Jordan, apart from the rest of the congregation. Notice the common thread among these two parties: They both deeply fear the Lord. Phinehas and his people investigate because they despise idolatry, while Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh respond, "Far be it from us to rebel against the Lord!" When we are motivated by the fear of the Lord, we are able to act and react with both firmness and gentleness. - P134
After hearing the tribes‘ clear and God-glorifying response, Phinehas andthe leaders react with relief and gladness. The fever of war turns into mutualunderstanding and communal rejoicing in the Lord. Notice how even inan emotionally charged situation, both parties took time to face each otherInstead of sim-so that they could listen well and communicate effective aply believing rumors, Phinehas looks to confirm before acting. - P134
In this ru-mor-filled world, let us not be quick to believe the worst of others and point *fingers, but rather act deliberately, asking for the help of God‘s heavenlywisdom. And may we ever seek to promote peace and unity in the body ofChrist, remembering what Jesus taught: "Blessed are the peacemakers, forthey will be called children of God" (Matt. 5:9) - P134
Dear God, fill my heart with the fear of the Lord so that I may speak and act in wisdom in all that I do. And since Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker, use me to be an agent of Your peace, especially in the midst of conflict. In His name, amen. - P135
And let us beslow to anger and quick to forgive, living out the words of Proverbs 17:9,
"Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoevermatter separates close friends."
repeatsthe - P135
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