Dear friends,
Have you ever done something and as soon as you did it, you realized that you had made a mistake? Of course, you have. We all have. A few minutes ago, I transferred money via email and realized that I had omitted one letter in the recipient’s email address. I had only sent one e-transfer before and didn’t think about what would happen if I entered an incorrect email address. To my great relief, I discovered tonight that there is a way to cancel the transaction.
In the book of Joshua, we read that the leader of the people of Israel was approached by the Gibeonites, who cleverly made up a story – using several visuals – in order to deceive the Israelites. After Joshua and the men of Israel heard the Gibeonites say that they came from a far country, they questioned them a little, but did not ask counsel of the Lord (Joshua 9:14). When I thought about this, I was impressed by the transparency of the author of this book. He doesn’t try to hide the fact that he made a mistake by acting impulsively in making a treaty with the enemy. This is one of many occasions in the Bible where human flaws are exposed, revealing the divine origin of the Scriptures.
Concerning this action by Joshua, Dr. David Jeremiah writes: “Although Joshua had to abide by the treaty, his wise solution was that the Gibeonites must become bondservants. Knowing that influence tends to trickle down, there was little risk of intermarriage with the people of Israel if the Gibeonites were in a subservient role. He also involved them in the worship of the Lord – preparing the wood for Israel’s sacrifices and carrying the water in the cleansing rituals – hoping this would influence them toward the one true God.” In contrast to many politicians in the world today, Joshua kept his word and came to the rescue of the Gibeonites when they were under attack (Joshua 10).
How about us? Do we keep our promises, even if doing so inconveniences us? As believers in the Lord, who promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), may we strive to bring glory to Him in all that we do and say.
Scripture for the weekend:“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:8-10 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “Your commitments can develop you or destroy you, but either way, they will define you.” – Rick Warren
By His grace,
Steve