Scripture:
Joshua 9:3-8 ESV
[3] But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, [4] they on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, [5] with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes. And all their provisions were dry and crumbly. [6] And they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country, so now make a covenant with us.” [7] But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you live among us; then how can we make a covenant with you?” [8] They said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” And Joshua said to them, “Who are you? And where do you come from?”
[14] So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord. [15] And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
Observation:
Joshua was sent to conquer the land and had done pretty well up to this point. With a minor setback in AI. Now moving forward his confidence is up and he knows the plan that GOD has. So his thoughts were not entirely where they should have been, or maybe he was distracted by the way things looked these foreigners went to great lengths to deceive him. Putting on clothing that had seen better days and using wineskins with patches on them. They made every effort to make things look different than they really were, and Joshua took the bate. You can see where there was some question about where they came from. Not only did Joshua ask but the men of Israel had thoughts about it as well. But despite their better judgment, and the fact that they missed the most important thing (inquiring from the LORD). They moved forward with a covenant and took the provisions as an offering. Only to find out they had been deceived.
Application:
It’s easy to want to take things at face value. I want to believe the best in people. You know give them the benefit of the doubt. But not everyone has the best intentions. It’s sad to say but it’s true. I have been deceived by people as I’m sure you have as well. People who have gone to great lengths to cover up the truth. I believe the important part of this scripture is the step they missed. They forgot to get the approval of the one who reveals secret things. They did not talk to GOD about it. So my question for you today is this… How many times have you rushed ahead and missed this very important step? I know I have, and honestly, the number of times I have done it would be extremely difficult to count. We can get caught up in what things look like and move in a direction that the Father never intended for us to go, or allow someone into our lives who may not be who they appear to be, or even do something that looks right but isn’t. Let’s always remember that GOD has the final say, and if we can be still long enough for HIM to answer. HE will never lead us in the wrong direction, or put people in our lives that are not good for us.
Prayer:
Father, we want to do your will. We don’t want to be deceived by the way things look. We want you to have the final say, and we don’t want to move unless you approve. Let us never forget the most important set in our walk with you. ASK. I know that if we ask you…you will answer. Help us determine the answer as well… It’s hard to tell when an answer is a no or a wait. We just don’t want to get off course. You have set a path for us and your word in the light to that path it is a lamp to our feet. As we reveal our hearts to you reveal your answers to us.
It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.