Joshua 22:26-28

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