"Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord. So Joshua made peace with them..." Joshua 9:14
Living in this physical, tangible world, I pride myself at times, on being decisive and pragmatic. I can calculate the best course of action and make the most logical and practical response. How very like Joshua I am. I imagine he was just starting to feel comfortable with this whole taking-over-for-Moses, leading-the-nation thing. He was developing a cadence. Hitting his stride.
He led them across the Jordan successfully, had them build a memorial, circumcised the entire nation, conquered Jericho, purged them of the disobedient ones, and defeated Ai in brilliant military prowess. He's probably thinking, "I got this!" Or, at least, "I think I'm getting the hang of this!"
And then... enter the Gibeonites. Joshua listens to their story, sees their clothes and provisions, and makes the obvious, logical move. That was easy. But in the passage, there is that one quiet, nagging phrase. "...but they did not ask counsel of the Lord."
It's the punch in the gut. How many times can that little phrase be inserted in the narrative of my life? Way too many, it saddens me to admit. I am so dependant upon my abilities or, so impatient to get going, that I'll figure it out on the fly. And then God-in His love for me-throws a curve. Yes, deceit and manipulation are a part of fallen man's DNA, but what I forget is that God uses even wickedness to bring my focus back to Him. God, in His faithfulness, keeps me tethered to Him, just like He did Joshua.
I have so many woodcutters and water carriers in my life as reminders of God's faithfulness and my rashness. The Lord reminded me of them again this morning.
9 comments:
Your insight is so true of all of us. We need to heed His voice.
http://wayfarersquest-rsctt.blogspot.com
Kari, I appreciate this post so much! What I love is that you understand with your heart how God always brings us back to Himself... everyday when I stumble He reminds me of his ways which are so much better than mine and the times I remember my great need of Him I do so much less dusting off off my pants. When I fall He always picks me up... Great is His faithfulness.
Blessings to you Kari. I am just back from a summer in South Africa, visiting my daughter who is adopting three precious little ones from there. I am caught up now in my harvesting here so once winter weather settles in I will sit and write and read more...
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In reality your creative writing abilities has inspired me to begin my own Blog website now.
Hat’s off. Well done, as we know that “hard work always pays off”, after a long struggle with sincere effort it’s done.
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I can so relate to you post - I so need to listen to God's leading and not move ahead of Him. Thank you for sharing:-) God Bless!
thank you for inspiring me for your beautiful thoughts in life and in GOd.
I Love that you exalt our Lord Jesus Christ. I Just came across your blog.I Look forward to reading more.
Blessings Sandie
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