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Godly Counsel
“This bread was hot from the ovens when we left. But now, as you can see, it is dry and moldy. These wineskins were new when we filled them, but now they are old and cracked. And our clothing and sandals are worn out from our long, hard trip.” So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the Lord. Then Joshua went ahead and signed a peace treaty with them, and the leaders of Israel ratified their agreement with a binding oath. Three days later, the facts came out—these people of Gibeon lived nearby! Joshua 9:12-16
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On the surface the evidence seemed to match the travelers’ story. Their wineskins were tattered, and their clothing and sandals were worn. Their bread was moldy. They certainly looked as if they had traveled a great distance. Their story seemed so authentic that the Israelite leaders entered into an unbreakable covenant with them. But the leaders had forgotten to seek the counsel of God before they signed on the dotted line. They realized too late that the men were deceitful, but they had no choice but to honor the covenant.
It’s not always easy to keep a promise, but it’s especially difficult to honor a promise gained through the deceitful actions of another. When you make an important decision, you may have a tendency to weigh the facts as you see them. It’s important to assess the reputation of an individual or organization. It’s advisable to pore over figures on a balance sheet or to check references. All of these things are wise, but don’t forget to seek the counsel of God, to ask for wisdom and discernment. Praying before you make important decisions can save you a great deal of trouble down the road.
Prayers:
WISE FATHER, you know what is best for me. You see what I cannot. Thank you for that check in my spirit that tells me to wait or not to do something at all. Help me to heed it. Thank you for the peace that floods my soul when I am taking a step in the right direction. I will turn to you first when making important decisions. Thank you for caring about the decisions in my life.
Quotes:
Those who are in heavenly places see God’s counsels in what to the wisdom of the world is arrogant stupidity.
Oswald Chambers (1874–1917)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Joshua 9:3–10:43; Luke 16:19–17:10; Psalm 83:1-18 and Proverbs 13:4.
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