The passage from Joshua 22:23 (KJV) reads: "That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it." This verse is part of a larger narrative where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh return to their land east of the Jordan River after assisting the rest of Israel in conquering the Promised Land. Because they built an altar, they faced suspicions and accusations from their fellow Israelites that they were turning away from the worship of the LORD. However, their intention was not rebellion; rather, they wanted a reminder of their allegiance to the One True God, despite geographical separation.

This passage teaches us several vital lessons about our relationship with God, the importance of community in faith, and the intentions behind our actions. Firstly, we must remember that our actions in faith must align with our intentions. The altar mentioned here, while seeming to stand as a symbol of departure from the TRUE altar in Shiloh where the LORD's presence dwelt, was meant to symbolize unity among the tribes of Israel. The speaker affirms that if they were to use this altar with a heart that turned away from the LORD, they would face judgment from God himself. This calls for introspection in our own lives about the altars we build—whether they are built as a means of truly worshiping God or if they lead us away from Him.

In our spiritual lives, it can be easy to erect altars of distraction: habits, mediocrity, or even ideologies that prioritize worldly gain over our commitment to God. Such altars can subtly draw us from following the LORD as they call for our attention and devotion. In a culture overflowing with options, we must guard against turning towards these distractions. The glowing promises of achievement, success, or pleasure can often entice even the steadfast believer to waver. What altars are we building in our lives? Are we creating spaces for worship, learning, and community or are we building altars of self-interest?

Secondly, there is a significant communal aspect showcased in this passage. The tribes of Israel, upon seeing the altar, rushed to ensure their fellow Israelites were not straying from God. In their zeal, they prioritized the integrity of God's worship and sought accountability. The willingness to engage directly reflects a healthy aspect of communal faith, as we ought to be vigilant about the paths our brothers and sisters take. While we each have our personal relationship with God, we are also part of a larger body—the church. We are to help one another, as iron sharpens iron, ensuring that our collective focus remains anchored in Christ. This requires humility and a commitment to dialogue when we see signs of potential spiritual flaws in one another.

Lastly, let’s explore the gravity of the declaration "let the LORD himself require it." This serves as a profound reminder that our actions are ultimately between us and God. If we stray from His expectations, we invite divine scrutiny into our choices. God is a God of love and justice, and He desires His people to remain faithful. As we navigate our spiritual journey, this verse compels us to recognize that the LORD knows our hearts, our true intentions, and our struggles. He is aware of our altars, and He will require accountability for our decisions.

In all things, we must prioritize building altars that honor and glorify the LORD. An altar of prayer, of worship, of community fellowship, and of love for one another can cultivate a deep-rooted relationship with God. Let us challenge ourselves to examine the nature of the "altars" we construct in our lives and ensure we are genuinely following our LORD.

As we take this to heart, may we commit to a sincere, honest, and unwavering faith, fighting against any inclination to retreat into complacency. Let us strive to be the faithful remnant that the LORD can use to bring glory to His name.