The altar of witness.
I. THE OBJECTS AIMED AT. The Israelites were proved to have been in error when they assumed that the erection of the altar was a sign of religious schism and tribal secession. On the contrary, it was intended to prevent those very evils.
(a) for ourselves,
(b) for our families,
(c) for destitute places, such as newly built suburbs of great towns, outlying hamlets, the colonies, etc.
II. THE DANGER FEARED. The men who built the altar of witness thought that the national unity and religious faith were endangered.
III. THE MEANS EMPLOYED. An altar of witness was erected. This was not for sacrifice and worship, to rival that of the tabernacle, like the altars attached to the calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28, 1 Kings 12:29).
(a) It was a symbol—truth is often suggested most clearly by parables and illustrations.
(b) It was visible. Truth should be made clear and striking.
(c) It was substantial. Truth should be established by solid evidence, not melted down into vapid sentiments.
(d) It was enduring. We should not be satisfied with superficial impressions, but aim at establishing an enduring faith.
(a) the Bible preserved to us through the dark ages,
(b) the institutions of the Church, baptism, the Lord's supper, and public worship;
(c) inwardly to the Christian, the indwelling Christ who is first our altar of sacrifice and then our altar of witness, bearing testimony to the fact that we are His, and one with his true Church by the Spirit He gives to us, and the fruits of this Spirit in our lives (Romans 8:9).—W.F.A.
HOMILIES BY S.R. ALDRIDGE
A misunderstanding removed.
Having completed their engagement, the auxiliaries of Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh were dismissed by Joshua in peace and honour to their homes, now at length to settle down to the enjoyment of their possessions on the east of the Jordan. Joshua had strictly charged them "to love the Lord," and "to walk in all his ways," and to share with their brethren the spoils acquired in war. One of their first acts on arriving in Gilead was to erect an altar, conspicuous by size and position, and framed after the pattern of the altar before the tabernacle.
I. THE INTENTION of the eastern tribes.
II. THE INDIGNATION of the western tribes.
III. THE MISUNDERSTANDING REMOVED.
CONCLUSION. This narration begets the inquiry whether we have any part in the Lord. Can any secret place of prayer, or any word or deed testify that the Lord is our God? The strongest union is formed by religious ties. Where families are thus united the bands of love axe indissolubly cemented. Have we a family altar, not material but spiritual, a witness to the Lord? May the lessons thus derived from an old book be indelibly stamped upon our hearts.—A.
HOMILIES BY W.F. ADENEY