Joshua 22
King James Version (KJV)
26 Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:
27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the Lord before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the Lord.
28 Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the Lord, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.
Comments:
The actions of the children of Reuben, the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh are something that all nations should consider. When tensions between groups of people within a nation are anticipated, actions should be taken (so long as they are lawful according to God's word) to prevent them from being realized. This might be done in the form of a contract, a covenant, a monument, etc.
As history tells us, tensions are very possible between Christians of different denominational perspectives, who, while disagreeing on such matters as church government, agree on foundational doctrines of the faith, such as the Trinity and justification by faith alone. All orthodox Christian groups within a nation should strive to live together in peace; as Scripture says, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18).
