Failing to ask

Failing to ask

The Three days after making the treaty, they learned that these people actually lived nearby! The Israelites set out at once to investigate and reached their towns in three days. The names of these towns were Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. But the Israelites did not attack the towns, for the Israelite leaders had made a vow to them in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. The people of Israel grumbled against their leaders because of the treaty. Joshua 9:16-18 NLT

Joshua and his men were completely taken in by the Gibeonites. They looked and sounded as if they were telling the truth. “Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath” (v. 15). It has been the practice of the Israelites to consult God before making a decision. But this time they went ahead without God’s direction despite it was available instead it was ignored. They made a sloppy decision because they did not ask for godly wisdom (see James 4:2). It was only after three days that they realized that they made a covenant with the Gibeonites. Because of the oath, they can’t attack the territorial boundaries of Gibeon. They forged an unalterable treaty and they have to live by the consequences for the rest of their lives. The whole assembly of the Israelites expressed their disappointments to their leaders. The will of God comes from the heart of God. “The Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. (Ps. 33:11). God is delighted to make known His will to His children when He knows they are humble and willing to obey. Our willingness to seek and follow the will of God are not like customers who look at options but like servants who listen for orders. “If any of you really determines to do God’s will, then you will certainly know” (John 7:17, TLB). This is what provides victory in the life of a believer. God looks at our hearts and He sees the willingness to obey. God sees our hearts and knows whether we are really serious about obeying Him. Surely, we ought to use the wisdom God has given us, and we must heed the warning of Proverbs 3:5–6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Blessings,