SCRIPTURE: Joshua 9
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. [Joshua 9:14-15]
The Lord made it clear that it was too dangerous for them to allow the people of the land to remain in the land; their moral and religious depravity was too tempting, too destructive.
As harsh as it may seem to our ears, this call for total removal of the people and religion of the land was essential to the success of God’s kingdom mission.
Unfortunately, as partners, they should have inquired of the Lord when the Gibeonites came for a treaty, pretending to be from a different country.
They acted on their own, without their partner.
As Jesus-followers, partners with Jesus in His Kingdom mission, we must remain in close dialogue with our partner, seeking His wisdom, relying on His guidance and strength.
When we face decisions or dilemmas, trusting in ourselves is dangerous.
We ought to consult with trusted advisors, but we also ought to dialogue with the Lord, through prayer and bible reading (I do it through journaling, I find that most helpful).
As I talk through my decision or dilemma with the Lord, its amazing how He helps me.
In this was, I actually experience what Jesus talked about: By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. [John 5:30].
It is essential to develop the pattern of praying for guidance and seeking input from trusted advisors.
Our enemy is clever, and he will use a variety of schemes and ruses to distract, deceive and ultimately destroy us.
Many of the will look good.
Many of these decisions will seem harmless at the time, of no serious consequence.
And yet, like the thin edge of a wedge, once it gains an entry point, it can slowly divide and conquer.
Jesus described this as the little bit of yeast in the dough, and the huge consequence.
Consulting with the Lord does not come naturally.
Our default pattern is to do what seems right to us.
But the wise guy of Israel rightly warns: There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. [Proverbs 14:12]
Or, ‘seemed like a good decision at the time’.
Are you taking steps to make inquiring of the Lord a natural first response?
Are you being intentional about making decisions with the Lord, talking things through with Him?
By yourself you can do nothing – yet we try all the time.
And where does that get us?
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to do what is right and good, I want to do Your will. Help me to inquire of You in all my decisions and dilemmas. And please guide me.