How quickly we forget!

In Joshua 22, we read about the Eastern tribes of Israel returning to their inherited land on the east side of the Jordan River.  The land was settled and was in relative peace so these tribes went home to enjoy the land God had given them.  On returning home they built a large altar similar to one in the Tabernacle.  The rest of Israel was so concerned with the possibility that these tribes were abandoning the worship of the true God in the Tabernacle and turning to worship of idols that they threatened war.  However, we find in Joshua 22:29 that this altar was only a reminder of the true altar and was set up by these eastern tribes to remind them of their unity with Israel and their faith in the one true living God.

Soon after this Joshua dies.  A new generation rises to leadership and everything changes.  Judges 2:10-11 tells us  "After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.  Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals.  In one generation's time we have gone from threatened war over possible idolatry to widespread worship of the Canaanite gods.  This happened because of two things.  One, Israel failed to obey God and fully drive out their Canaanite neighbors.  These Canaanites soon led Israel into false worship.  But more importantly, Israel failed to pass on the stories of God's goodness and faithfulness.  Joshua 21:45 says "Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Yet, the next generation grew up and did not know what God had done.

Let me encourage you to take some time today to recall God's grace  in your life.  Make a list of the good things he has done.  Chief among them is the cross upon which Jesus died to give us life.  Recall God's goodness and share these things with your family, friends and neighbors.  He is the one true living God who reigns on high and offers salvation and forgiveness freely to all who would trust in him.  Don't be like the Israelites of old.  Don't forget that God is good all the time!