Joshua 9:3-10:43; Luke 16:19-17:10; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 13:4
It is not a small thing to listen to the Lord’s leading. God gave Joshua very specific instructions to clear out all the people in the land so that Israel could live in peace and prosperity. A group from Gibeon was afraid that they would be destroyed so they launched a deceptive plan to sign a treaty with Joshua to save their lives.
The Gibeonites played their part well and Joshua fell for it! Only after the Israelites gave their word that the Gibeonites were safe did Joshua and the leaders learn that these strangers were not from a distant country. How were they able to be so easily tricked? Here is the answer: “they did not consult the Lord.” (Joshua 9:14). Joshua and the leaders did not do what God told them to do.
The greatest asset you have as you interact with the world and people whose intentions are not pure, is to let God lead you. God knows the hearts of people and He searches out their hearts. He knows things that you cannot know and God sees things that you cannot see. Why would you launch out without His leading? Only trouble can arise from self-reliance! Purpose in your heart today to let Jesus lead you every moment of every day. When you do this, you will never be tricked or taken advantage of.
Tomorrow’s Reading: Joshua 11:1-12:24; Luke 17:11-37; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 13:5-6