Don’t Trust Your Eyes

Sunday, September 29, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy: And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey. And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.”

Joshua 9:12–14

Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God instructed them to drive out all of the inhabitants of the land. When they began that work, starting with Jericho, they were obeying God. Each enemy was totally defeated and destroyed. As news of the victories of Israel in battle began to spread, those who lived in the land feared for the future. The residents of Gibeon decided on a clever plan. They dressed men in ragged clothing and prepared old provisions to carry. When they reached where Israel was camped, they told the leaders that they had come from such a great distance that their new clothes had worn out and the remnants of their food were unfit to eat because of their journey.

Foolishly the leaders of Israel accepted that at face value, believing what they saw, rather than seeking guidance and counsel from the Lord. Three days later Israel reached the city of Gibeon, and realized that they had been deceived. They kept their bargain, allowing the Gibeonites to remain in the land as they had promised them. But they would not have been in that position if they had trusted God rather than their own eyes. We do not have the capacity to make good decisions apart from Him. “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

Today's Growth Principle: 

Without God’s wisdom we will easily be deceived by the snares and lures of the world.