4 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Joshua 9:3-10:43
Luke 16:19-17:10
Psalm 83:1-18
Proverbs 13:4
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Joshua 9:14 (NLT): “So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
The story recounted for us in Joshua 9 is intriguing. The Israelites had just conquered Jericho and Ai. Their victories terrified the people in the Promised Land.
So, the people of Gibeon determined to do something. They sent a delegation to Israel. That group of men went to great lengths to make it look like they had been on a very long journey when in reality, they were only a few miles from where Israel was camped.
The delegation asked the Israelites to make a pact not to harm them since they “lived so far away” from Israel.
That’s where our verse for today comes in:
Joshua 9:14 (NLT): “So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.”
The Israelites looked at the moldy bread, but there were facts outside the Israelites’ knowledge that kept them from making a wise decision. We are led to believe that if they had prayed before making the decision, the Lord could have provided them with wisdom (without the necessary knowledge) to come to the right conclusion on the matter.
But they didn’t pray.
And they made the wrong decision.
And they suffered the consequences.
Do you pray before you make decisions? There will always be information outside our range of knowledge. How are we to come to the correct conclusion without all the facts? We’ve got to pray and seek the Lord’s will.
He won’t write out His will and send it down from Heaven. But, after much prayer (and other biblical steps of proper decision making), we can proceed with peace and confidence, knowing that God will guide us.
If you want to learn more about how to make decisions God’s way, consider purchasing and devouring Haddon Robinson’s book, “Decision Making By the Book.”
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Matt’s Musings 