As we continue to look at principles found in the book of Joshua, we have already seen that God has big visions for each one of us. We have discussed the fact that boldness to fulfill that vision is found in God’s presence. We have also looked at the fact that God will bless us when we stay obedient to His direction and commands. Today, however, we will take a look at the dangers that arise when we become overconfident in our callings, and wander away from daily trust in His guidance. What we must learn is that there is protection that comes in the counsel of God.
The Background
In Joshua chapter 8, we find that the Israelite’s conquest of the promised land is on a roll. They have come into the land with power. They have taken down the great city of Jericho, and after dealing with the sin of Achan, God has delivered Ai into their hands. Joshua has built an altar to the Lord at Mt. Ebal to worship and celebrate.
All of this has put a fear into the surrounding tribes, who know they will soon be the targets of Israel’s army. The Bible says, they “gathered together as one to fight against Joshua and Israel” (Joshua 9:2).
There is one city, however, that decides to take a different approach to the Israelite invasion. The people of Gibeon, knowing they cannot win against Joshua, instead put together an elaborate plan of deception, to enact a peace treaty with Israel.
The Bible says that the Gibeonites, “acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes. And all their provisions were dry and crumbly. And they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country, so now make a covenant with us” (Joshua 9:4-6).
They faked them out!
And Joshua bought it! Rather than recognizing that these people were playing them for fools, the people of Israel looked at their clothing and provisions; fully believed the story these people were telling, and signed the peace treaty with them.
How could such a trick work against God’s people? How could Joshua, the one who took Moses’ place as the prophetic leader of the nation, be fooled? The Bible tells us: “So the men (of Israel) took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them” (Joshua 9:14-15).
In fact, the next verse says it takes 3 days for Joshua and the Israelites to learn the truth, that these people were their neighbors in the promised land. When it is discovered that Gibeon’s inhabitants were one of the people groups meant to be chased out, the people of Israel are not happy with their leaders.
Joshua, in a story I find humorous, goes to the Gibeonites and asks them, “why would you lie to us like this?” The answer? “Well, we knew you would kill us, and we wanted to live.”
Joshua does keep the agreement with them and allows them to live, but because of their deception, the Gibeonites are turned into servants for the Israelite people.
The Principle Made Clear
Joshua’s failures were not because he was a foolish leader. It came, in fact, because he had been a great leader up to this point. The people had been on a roll! Joshua simply assumed the momentum of claiming their inheritance in the land could not be stopped. He assumed God’s blessing and protection over the nation, so he didn’t take time to ask for God’s wisdom in his moment-by-moment decision-making.
While it is true that God was continually present with Joshua, just as He had promised in chapter 1, it is also true that Joshua’s presence was missing in the relationship with God. He didn’t seek God’s wisdom and counsel, and it led to bad decisions. He compromised on God’s commands to drive the people out. This invited further moral compromise in the nation of Israel, as they would now dwell closely with the pagan inhabitants.
Protection Comes in the Counsel of God
Job says, “With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding” (Job 12:13). The psalmist declares, “The counsel of the LORD stands forever…” (Psalm 33:11) All throughout the Bible, we are reminded to rely on the counsel of God.
Jesus Himself was to be called “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6). And Isaiah calls the Holy Spirit, “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might…” (Isaiah 11:2).
Our Wisdom Will Fail Us
Despite the fact that He promises to be with us and guide us always, too often we act just like Joshua, and coast through life’s decision-making processes on our own. We assume that we have accurate information and sufficient wisdom to move forward ourselves. Yet, the truth is, that all of us, at one time or another, end up regretting decisions that we felt the most confident about.
Maybe a too-good-to-miss financial opportunity, turned out to be a scam or a bust. Perhaps the person we sought to give us love, ended up leaving us hurt. Situations get out of control. Money is lost. Business ventures collapse. Relationships are jeopardized.
None of those things happen because we plan for them. They happen because even with the best information available, we cannot predict the future. We cannot see inside the hearts of men. And we are unable to direct outcomes simply with good intentions.
God’s Wisdom Never Fails
When we know nothing, God knows it all. God is omniscient. He can give us the best counsel, because He knows the future. He can guide our relationships, because He knows the hearts of men. The Lord can lead us to success in every venture, if we will first lay them out for His guidance and stamp of approval.
The difficult thing is remembering that we are not called to live the Christian life on our own. It takes humility to come before the Lord, every day and in every decision, to get His counsel on the matter. Humility itself means recognizing our limitations, and depending fully on God to sustain us. This is why the New Testament writers, James and Peter, both tell us to humble ourselves before the Lord, so that He may exalt us (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6).
God Wants To Instruct Our Lives
What we take away from this principle is that, for the Christian, there is an inherent danger to living life on our own. Our protection comes in the counsel of God. We must not neglect it. Even if we are living our wildest dreams, and just like Joshua in the land, it seems the momentum will carry us forward, we must learn to pause, and seek God’s counsel. We must trust Him more than we trust ourselves. Then, we must follow His advise at all times, because our protection in life and ministry comes in the counsel of God.
So What Is Your Takeaway?
What about you? Have you experienced hardships because you neglected to seek the Lord? How have you learned to trust Him, and seek His wisdom daily? What will keep you closer to Him today, as you move forward in your life and calling?
As always, if you are enjoying what you are reading on my blog, I would also be honored if you would subscribe to my weekly email, below. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for regular blog updates, and other ongoing #ChristianLife and #GospelLeadership advice!
