Ask And Listen

Read: Joshua 9

They did not consult the LORD. Joshua 9:14

IN WORD

No one had yet defeated the Israelites in direct confrontation except the men of Ai, and that result was soon overturned when Israel purged itself of forbidden plunder. So the Gibeonites came at them with deception, playing the part of distant travelers and finagling a binding treaty out of their rivals. It’s a common strategy for the enemies of God’s people; if frontal assault doesn’t work, undermine them with deception, corruption, and compromise. And it certainly worked in this case, as Joshua and Israel’s leaders fell for the ploy and yoked themselves to the inhabitants of the land. They were stuck with a burden for years to come.

What was their mistake? They did not consult the Lord. They relied on their understanding, their concept of “best practices” for entering a land of promise. They assumed that they could apply uniform principles to the diverse situations they would encounter in the land. Though they had heard from God uniquely about Jericho, and then uniquely about Ai, they now neglected to ask Him about the travelers and the treaty. They assumed.

That’s why life with God is not a matter of principle. There may be principles involved, but as soon as we begin to rely on them, we have stopped following Him and replaced His leading with ideas and practices. Instead of a personal relationship, we have an impersonal set of behaviors. That might make us very religious people, but it won’t suffice in our interaction with Him or the diverse circumstances of our lives.

IN DEED

We need specific guidance from God in every situation. Sure, there are times when we can count on wisdom He has already given, but we can’t learn precepts and call that a relationship. The strategy He gave us yesterday may not apply today because the battles of life keep changing. We have to learn how to hear His voice and follow His lead. The Kingdom is given to those who listen carefully to the King.

ADDITIONAL READING: Isaiah 30:21

When we fail to wait prayerfully for God’s guidance and strength, we are saying . . . that we do not need Him.

CHARLES HUMMEL