CHILDREN STS LESSON 7 THE ALTAR OF TESTIMONY
Text: Joshua 22:1-34
The Children of Israel finally got to the promised land and possessed it as the Lord promised. “And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.” (Joshua 21:43). Before this time, the children of Reuben (the Reubenites), and the children of Gad (the Gadites), and the half tribe of Manasseh, had received their own inheritance at the eastern side of Jordan. “With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;” (Joshua 13:8). But Moses told them to help the remaining nine and half tribes to fight against their enemies before returning to settle down on their own land.
Our study today focuses on what happened when the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned to their own inheritance in the promised land after obeying God as commanded by Moses.
- THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE:
Joshua 22:1-9; Deuteronomy 28:1,2
Joshua said to the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, “Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you” (Joshua 22:1-2). These tribes in Israel were exemplary in behaviour. They obeyed the instructions given to them by Moses the man of God and helped the other tribes of Israel to take possession of their own inheritance. Joshua was very happy with their conduct. He therefore blessed them and encouraged them to keep on obeying God’s word; so that God will continue to bless them.
To receive the blessings of God in your life, you must live a life of obedience. The first step of obedience to God in this life is to be born again (John 3:7). After your salvation, you must read and obey the word of God, live a holy life, love others as yourself and preach the gospel to sinners.
- BUILDING THE ALTAR OF TESTIMONY:
Joshua 22:10-31
An altar is a sacred place of worship. God gave the children of Israel specific instructions on how to build an altar where they can worship Him. Therefore, they built an altar at Shiloh where the tabernacle was set up. However, when the children of Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh got to the borders of Jordan (on their way to their own inheritance), they built a great altar. They called the altar by the name Ed, meaning “a Witness” (Joshua 22:34). When the other tribes heard about it, they were angry with them. The reason for their annoyance was because God had earlier warned the children of Israel never to build altars anyhow and anywhere.
Before sending an army to fight against the tribes of Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh, the children of Israel sent a delegate to find out why the altar was built.
The tribes of Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh, explained the reasons for building the altar to the delegates. The altar they made was not for burnt offering, not for sacrifices, and not because they wanted to rebel or transgress. It was built to serve as a witness that they were still part of the children of Israel, though they had settled at the other side of Jordan (Joshua 22:21-29). The lesson we learn here is that, we should not take decisions without finding out necessary facts. On the other hand, we must stand to defend the word of God when others are disobedient to it.
- BIBLICAL STANDARD FOR A HOLY ALTAR:
Joshua 22:10-28; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17
The altar is a place dedicated to the worship of God. In our churches today, we have a place that we can refer to as the altar. This is where the Ministers stand to break the word of life (Living Bread) to the congregation and to direct the worship service. Such a place should be respected because it is a holy place. But some children often times, after the service, go to the altar to play and pretend to be the Minister. This is wrong and also disrespectful to God. Do not join them. We must honour and show respect for the house of God.
Much more importantly, we need to know that we are the temple of the Living God and our heart is the altar of God. Our heart should be kept clean and free from pollutions so that God can dwell in it. God cannot live in a dirty place. Invite Jesus into your heart now and ask Him to wash you with His blood and make your heart clean so that God can live in it.
QUESTIONS:
- (a) What is an altar? (b) Why was the altar in our study built?
__________________________________________________________
- How did the two and half tribes show their obedience to the
word of God they received through Moses, the man of God?
___________________________________________
- ___________________ blessed the two and half tribes for their obedience.
- Why were the other tribes angry when they heard that the
Two and half tribes had built an altar. _____________________
- (a) Where can we find God’s altar today? (b) What should be
our attitude to God’s altar? ______________________________
MEMORY VERSE: “And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.” (Joshua 22:34)
LESSON: The altar of God is a holy place of worship.
THOUGHT: I will worship God with all my heart.
ACTIVITY: Read the following Bible passages, write down the person who built an altar and what he did on that altar.
- Genesis 12:6-8
- Judges 6:24-26
- 2 Samuel 24:25
- Deuteronomy 27:5-7
HOMEWORK: Spend quality time to worship God during your quiet time throughout the week.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 15 – O WORSHIP THE KING
CHORUSES: (1) I have decided to follow Jesus. (2) I will never, never go back to the world. (3) Worthy, you are worthy.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:
1. Altar
2. Witness
3. Delegates
4. Salvation
5. Pollution.
