Joshua 9:14-15 “14 So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord. 15 Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live; and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.”
TRICKED
Even leaders make mistakes. Here in this passage it is obvious. Joshua and the “men of Israel…did not ask for the counsel of the Lord.” Now, before you start pointing fingers and judging them, how many times have you made a decision without consulting the Lord? If you are like me, plenty. Why don’t we learn?
The Gibeonites come up again and again in the Old Testament. They were an issue with Saul and then David. All of this could have been avoided if Joshua had stopped and talked to the Lord before making promises. Hmmm, that sounds like very good advice, doesn’t it?
TEACHING MOMENT
Has your little Gertrude ever invited a friend over to spend the night before asking you? Has little Johnny promised his friend he could go with him to the movies before asking you? These are perfect times to talk about this story. You see, God knew that Canaan needed to be cleared of all the pagan people or His children would be led astray. He knew what was best for them in the future, in the same way you can know what is best for your child.
Our children need to learn to trust us with their plans while they are small so they can learn to trust the Lord with their future. Once again, we are modeling for them what the Lord wants to do for them. But, in order for us to do that, we have to consult the Lord first. We have to make sure that we are directing them in the way the Lord wants us to. Isn’t that your desire? Don’t you want to lead them wisely?
Are you on the wrong path right now? Is the Lord trying to steer you left but you want to go right? Is He pointing you in a whole new direction, but you are stubbornly refusing to budge? Don’t be foolish! Allow the Lord to guide you.
A Moment In Time 