Then Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their homes. – Joshua 22:6

Today’s Scripture Reading (October 26, 2012): Joshua 22

There is something about being recognized for something. As much as people might protest that they do not need the recognition, there is a need somewhere inside of us to be accepted for our actions. It is not that we somehow believe that our actions have personal eternal consequences (we do not earn our way into heaven.) But sometimes it is just nice to be acknowledged as part of the community. Part of the problem is, as a community, how can we accomplish that in meaningful way?

But for the Christian, there is also a caution. Our justification is not because of what we have done. Heaven is not as a result of our actions – but rather because of our faith. Jesus goes as far as to indicate that not only are we not saved by our actions, but that we should realize who our audience really is. If we play for human acclamation and esteem, then we have already received our reward. Our motivation for doing good is simply that God wills it (a phrase that has been used negatively throughout the history of the church.) But when it is used properly, we recognize the plans that God has for this planet – and our role in making this world a better place to live – and commit ourselves to act in support of that plan for no reason other than that we have accepted that we play for an audience of one.

The soldiers from the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half the tribe of Manasseh had done what it was that they had committed to do. Moses had given them land on the other side of the Jordan River, at their request, on the condition that the tribes fulfill their responsibility to their brothers to enter and take the land. And now that the land had been secured (at least as much as was possible at the time) it was time for the soldiers to return home.

So Joshua blessed them. It was more than just calling them together and wishing them good luck in the future. As Joshua blessed them, he was indicating that, as a messenger of God, God’s approval would be with them – and that their actions in past and in the future had to be in support of the plan that God had for them. And in the end, it is God’s blessing, and not the esteem of people that should be important to us.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Joshua 23