Title: Don't Assume (Ass-u-me) / Topic: Jumping To Conclusions

Today’s Reading: Joshua 21; Joshua 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10

Scripture: Joshua 22:11-12, 32-33
11 And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, 12 the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them...
32 Then Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, and the leaders returned to Canaan from their meeting with the Reubenites and Gadites in Gilead and reported to the Israelites. 33 They were glad to hear the report and praised God. And they talked no more about going to war against them to devastate the country where the Reubenites and the Gadites lived.

Observation: Following the conquest of the land, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh leave for their homes on the east side of the Jordan. As they leave, they build a monument, an imposing altar. The first two verses above tell the reaction of the Israelites. They immediately decide that it is a capital offense and they prepare for war against their brothers. Talk about jumping to conclusions! Why was there not one sane person to say, "Let's ask them why they did it." It seems that everyone was assuming the worst: "They intend to offer sacrifices on this altar to other gods! Let's git us a posse and kill 'em!" A simple inquiry into the matter would have avoided this whole mess. In the end, they do ask (with the armies ready to attack) and find out that the whole thing was a misunderstanding (vss. 32-33) "Never mind. It's ok. It wasn't what we thought. We don't have to kill them and devastate their land after all. Shows over. Nothin' to see here. Everybody go home."

Application: I don't have to tell you why you should never assume. :) This could have ended very badly. And many situations in churches and our everyday lives are made worse by assuming. And why is it that it is so easy to assume the worst about people? Let's try assuming the best. "Love believes all things." I take that to mean that love believes for the best in people.

Prayer: Lord, may I have Your positive and gracious view of people. And may I get the facts before I spring into action. I want to live wisely and prudently.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.