The people of God must always be watchful against making decisions and living life independently from the Lord. Failure to pray, to consult God, to seek Him can result in much regret.
“Precisely because they do not take the time to ask God, Joshua and the leaders of the congregation not only make peace with the Gibeonites, but they also make a covenant with them that is sworn by an oath. In short, a failure simply to ask God means that a wrong decision is made, and one that will be binding. The danger of prayerlessness could not be more clearly illustrated” (Bible Speaks Today--commentary on Joshua 9).
“One of the reasons that Israel is tricked is because they trusted in themselves rather than in the wisdom of God. Self-reliance, self-will and self-sufficiency are matters of pride, and the people of God must be on constant guard against such things. Martin Luther feared the pope of self above all other popes in Christendom. Ralph Davis comments that ‘Joshua 9 warns God’s people against such cocky independence.’” (Strong and Courageous--commentary on Joshua 9).
While deception is always condemned in God’s Word, these Gibeonites as godless people had lived in deception, as did Rahab (who likewise used deception when she protected the Israelite spies). When people who live in sin initially hear about the Lord and desire to come to Him, and make peace with Him, there is inevitable deception in their lives. This deception is never condoned, and yet Rahab was spared along with all her family, the Gibeonites lives were saved, they were allowed to enter into covenant with God and His people, and they became servants at the altar of God all their days. This is grace given to outcasts, love shown to foreigners.
This amazing grace and indescribable love of God to outsiders should encourage you and I as we draw near to the Living God. He receives outcasts and sinners, makes a New Covenant with us based on forgiveness through the blood Jesus shed on the cross, and receives us into the family, and grace upon grace He even makes us servants at the altar of the cross.
“...when they were still some distance away, they wanted to make peace. The way to avoid judgment is to repent. Let us imitate these Gibeonites and make our peace with God in the rags of our humiliation and godly sorrow, so that our sin will not destroy us. Let us be the servants of Jesus, our blessed Joshua, and make a peace treaty with him and the Israel of God, and then we will live” (Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 9).
Question 3. Have you repented and turned to the Lord, asked Him for peace between you and Him and received forgiveness through the New Covenant of grace? Please explain:
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.
Karen writes, "Lord, I pray that if there is any wicked way in me that you forgive me and give me grace and mercy! Please show me Your ways, especially in the places where it seems hard to see what is right in Your eyes. Help me to please you always, and for that to be the deepest and greatest desire of my heart. I am sorry for my anger, pride, self focus and self-righteousness. I am sorry for taking matters into my own hands instead of leading on your Holy Spirit and Your perfect wisdom. Search my heart, Lord, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. As I work my last week in my job, help me to walk in peace despite the pressures and chaos, and to leave Your presence as I encourage others. Heal my relationship with ____ and help me to love and forgive and walk in truth."
Kelly writes, "I think repentance, asking for forgiveness, the washing of our heart with His blood and grace to walk in godliness is the lifestyle of a growing Christian. We are always growing from Grace to Grace, John 1:16. From one degree of faith to another, Romans 1:17. That often times happen in my life as the Holy Spirit reveals to me some sin, some heart attitude, some idol, some area of unbelief that's keeping me from receiving deeper degrees of His Peace and Joy in my heart."
Amanda writes, "Lord, I thank you for the undeserving grace that you give to me. I am nothing, that You should waste your time on me. Yet, You loved me enough to give your life for me. I've tried for so long to live how the preacher, teacher, and other Christians say I should, by the rules; all of which are in scripture. However, if the rules are not followed by Your leading and through You, they aren't doing me much good. I was disguised as the Gibeonites were. I was going through the motions. Thank You Lord, for helping me see how much You love Me. I don't think very highly of myself, but You have made me an heiress, a child of a King, a beloved daughter of God. Thank You Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen."