First Impressions Are Often Incorrect Impressions

Joshua 22:1-34 records an instance of incorrect first impressions. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh had built an altar near the Jordan. When the other tribes learned about this, they were ready to go to war with them (Joshua 22:9-12) because God had commanded that He alone be worshiped and that sacrifices be performed only in the tabernacle (cf. Exodus 20:3; Leviticus 17:8-9).

They saw the building of this altar as an act of apostasy. Fortunately, Phinehas the priest led a delegation to find out why they had built the altar. They were told that it was a memorial of unity for all the tribes under the one God of Israel (Joshua 22:13-34).

Dear reader. first impressions can often be incorrect impressions. However, open communication can correct misunderstandings that are often produced by our own pride and prejudice.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets