FAP Commentary on SDA Sabbath School Lesson (Dec 6–12, 2025) Title: "Living in the Land"

Overview

This week’s lesson invites us into a story of misunderstanding, patience, fear, and ultimately reconciliation. At its center is Joshua 22, where the tribes living east of the Jordan build a monumental altar, an act that almost triggers a civil war among God’s people. The western tribes see the altar and interpret it as rebellion, perhaps even the first step toward apostasy. Why? Because the past still haunts them with the painful memories of Achan and Baal Peor (Joshua 7; Numbers 25). And sometimes, like them, our past shapes our fears before we even hear the full story.

But as the lesson reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Prov. 15:1). In this story, gentleness becomes the bridge to peace. The eastern tribes respond with humility rather than defensiveness, and their explanation reveals something deeply human: they were afraid of being forgotten, left out, or separated from the worship of the true God.

What a tender truth: even ancient warriors could feel insecure, isolated, or anxious about belonging.

FAP Response

As Former Adventists, we often carry a similar mixture of longing and fear. Many of us have lived across “borders”: cultural borders, family expectations, spiritual transitions, and emotional boundaries that feel as wide as the Jordan River.

When the lesson describes how easy it is to jump to conclusions, I felt something stir deeply inside. The western tribes reacted quickly, almost harshly, because they feared losing unity. But in that fear, they risked destroying the very thing they wanted to protect. Isn’t this familiar? Many of us have experienced relationships strained by misunderstanding the moment we stepped away from Adventism or even when we simply asked honest questions.

Yet the beauty of this story is not the conflict but the posture of the eastern tribes. They listened patiently before answering. They didn’t lash out, didn’t mirror accusation with accusation. They spoke truthfully but gently, even calling on God as their witness, not to intimidate but to reveal sincerity. Their message was simple:

“We built this not to rebel… but because we wanted to make sure our children were not cut off from God.”

Isn’t that a heartbreakingly relatable feeling?

So many former Adventists carry an invisible “altar” inside, a symbol of our desire not to be forgotten, not by God, and not by the community we once shared life with. We also fear being misunderstood, judged, or seen as rebellious when in truth we are simply trying to remain connected to what is real, meaningful, and spiritually life-giving.

The lesson’s closing insight is especially striking: Unity must not come at the cost of truth, but neither should truth be wielded without compassion.

This is a message we need, where maintaining harmony often feels like a sacred duty, yet hidden pain and unspoken tensions can grow in silence. True unity, this story says, is rooted not in forced agreement but in honest, patient, gracious conversation.

FAP Theological Conclusion & Reflection for Former Adventists

For us who have journeyed outside Adventism or who still carry complicated emotions about “the land” we once lived in, Joshua 22 speaks a gentle, healing word:

God sees your heart before others see your actions.

People may judge outward appearances, but the Lord “knows” the truth behind your altar, your choices, and your story.

You are not forgotten.

Even when you live “east of the Jordan,” on the far side of a boundary that others think separates you from spiritual legitimacy, God does not see you as divided, lesser, or distant. The eastern tribes were still Israel. And you are still His.

Grace transforms conflict into testimony.

The altar that almost caused war became a symbol named Ed, “a witness between us that the Lord is God” (Josh. 22:34). Similarly, your journey, your transition, your questions, and your healing can become a testimony of God’s patient love instead of a battleground.

Gentleness is stronger than accusation.

When you respond softly to others or to yourself, you make space for God to heal old wounds, misunderstandings, and fears. As Ellen White is quoted in the lesson, even under false accusation, those who are in the right can afford to be calm, because God Himself carries their case.

For former Adventists, this means we don’t need to justify our every decision or fear being misrepresented. We can walk forward with peace, trusting that God knows how to defend what is true in us.

A Closing Devotional Thought

If you feel like you’re living “in the land but not fully home,” this story whispers a soft reassurance:

God walks both sides of the river. And He knows how to bridge whatever divides His children.

May your life be a gentle testimony, an altar of remembrance that the Lord has been faithful to you on every side of your journey.

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Former Adventists Philippines

“Freed by the Gospel. Firm in the Word.”

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