The soldiers were returning home to their families. Victories outnumbered the heartaches and disappointments. The battles were fought by the Israelites who were finally able to claim their promised land. As previously agreed, a small group of the clan moved to the other side of the River Jordan to live. All seemed well!
But this small group built a monument and named it Ed. The main body could only conclude that a rival faction was developing with an internal war on the horizon. This time the blood would be shed of their own kind. Fortunately, before the first wound was inflicted, the builders of Ed explained that it was constructed as a reminder to everyone that they were all of the same nation no matter on which side of the river anyone lived.
So, where is your Ed? How do we as members of the Christian family make sure that we all have the same goals as the larger body of believers? What can we apply from this ancient story for our situation? First, we remember the history that all of us have separately, and together experienced. In some cases that might just mean that we have survived persecution in trials. In other cases, a full-blown victory has been ours through Christ. Second, we all share the same identity to claim no matter in which body of believers we serve. We are all members of the same body of Christ as long as salvation rings true in our hearts.
It probably would be appropriate to challenge any other suggestions to the contrary about a person’s spiritual maturity. Third, our newly claimed territory is from God. A wise person always puts God in the center of his life for a relationship with him while showing appreciation for the good that has resulted in our circumstances. That same wise person will maintain a concern for the spiritual well-being of our children and their children to come in the ages ahead.
One last thought. Ed was built with rocks that individuals carried to the location. We each will bring that which enhances our work together against what hinders our efforts to form into this team of God. Building our own Ed cannot occur with just one or two persons making their contributions. So, here we are the same team meeting at different times in different locations yet having a lot of work to do for God. It may sound corny, but our goal is to serve God and country. This has been our goal as always guided by the Holy Spirit .
Christian Writer 