Rashness, Reason, and Reconciliation
Scripture Reading: Joshua 22
Joshua chapter 22 is a model for handling some conflicts. Once having established their territory, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh built an altar by the Jordan River. The rest of Israel, upon hearing this news, reacted with a sense of horror. They assumed that their brethren had resorted to idolatry. They believed this would bring upon the whole nation the wrath of God. They looked back on the example of Achan and his rebellion and how it resulted, not only in his death but the death of his family as well. They prepared for war against their brethren.
The people of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh answered the charge. They explained that the altar they built was not for sacrifice. It was meant to be a reminder to their children of their relationship with the rest of Israel. It was meant to direct their descendants to, not away from, the God of Israel.
The elders of Israel were satisfied and pleased with this explanation. They called off the dogs. They blessed their brethren on the other side of the river. They stopped making war talk and all was well again.
It is easy to jump to conclusions about why people do what they do. We can be rash and reactionary when we should be cautious and reasonable. It is not that our first gut reaction is always wrong. Sometimes it is right. But it can be way off the mark also. Reason should prevail. We must give space for an explanation. And when the explanation is reasonable, when it points toward good motives and intentions, we should respond with grace.
The goal must always be reconciliation. Reconciliation won’t always be the outcome. There will be times when, “we are for peace, but they are for war.” Still, aim for reconciliation. Be a peacemaker. And a peacemaker is rational and reasonable, not rash and reactionary.