In Joshua 9, we read about the Gibeonite deception. While the rest of Canaan was freaking out about Joshua and the Israelites, preparing to go to war with them, the Gibeonites had another idea: They would pretend to be from far away and make a treaty with the Israelites. Such a ruse should never have worked, considering Joshua’s relationship with the Lord. Joshua spent a lot of time with the Lord, so he should have recognized the deception. Exodus 33 gives us this insight about Joshua.

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Exodus 33:11 (NIV)

Yet, when the Gibeonites tried to deceive the Israelites, they got away with it, and Joshua 9:14 tells us why.

The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.

Joshua 9:14 (NIV)

As Christians, we are confident in knowing the Lord’s voice. As His sheep, we know his voice. We pray for discernment and accept that we have it. However, one thing we should notice about Joshua and the Gibeonite deception is that Joshua likely spent more time with the Lord than we do and was still deceived. Spending time with the Lord is essential, but we should still ask him what we should or shouldn’t do. 

Sometimes I’ve made the wrong choice or didn’t see something coming, but if I had asked the Lord about it, he’d have told me. Instead, I’ve pridefully expected the Holy Spirit to tell me if I was wrong because I know his voice. The Holy Spirit does warn us and tell us about things we didn’t know. Still, we would be better off asking questions when we can instead of being caught by surprise in our pride like Joshua. 

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe you died on the cross and were buried, and God the Father raised you from the dead on the third day. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.