BaptistWay Bible Series for Oct. 2: God gives victory when given the opportunity

Posted: 9/23/05

BaptistWay Bible Series for Oct. 2

God gives victory when given the opportunity

• Joshua 9:3-15; 10:6-14, 40-42

By Ronnie Prevost

Logsdon Seminary, Abilene

The people of Gibeon had no newspapers, news magazines, radio or television. None of the modern communication technology by which they could hear about events worldwide. But they had heard. News of the defeats of Jericho and Ai had spread fast.

Joshua 9:1-2 relates that several Canaanite tribes joined together to oppose Israel, who was invading their (the Canaanites’) land.

The Gibeonites saw the Canaanite alliance on the one hand. On the other, they saw Israel and what had happened to those who had opposed them. The Gibeonites knew they had to choose sides and do so quickly. They chose to join with Israel and their God.

Joshua 9:3-15 relates the deception the Gibeonites used to convince Israel to make a treaty with them. Israel was encamped at Gilgal, just a few miles northeast of Jericho. It was the place where they had erected the monument to God from the 12 stones picked up during their crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 4:19).

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The Gibeonites made themselves look poorer and from further away than they really were. The covenant that ensued preserved their city from destruction and plunder. Later, in 9:16-27, the Israelites discovered the ruse. Though certainly angry enough to destroy the city, they were prevented from doing so by the covenant. Instead, Gibeon became a servant people to Israel.

There is one brief statement in our Scripture passage that suggests, in the midst of this story, Israel was not always remembering to seek God’s leadership. Joshua 9:14 observes that, when confronted by the Gibeonites, they “did not inquire of the Lord.” There is no way to know what God’s directions to Israel would have been at that point. Nor did disaster strike Israel as a result. However, it is very telling that they did not bother to even consult God.

A bumper sticker that has been on my truck nearly 10 years reads, “Trust everyone, but brand your calves.” There is the place to be trusting. But Israel had forgotten once again to “brand their calves” by trusting God and seeking his wisdom and leadership on the matter at hand.

Still, God’s power was about to be made manifest. Joshua 10:6-14 tells of Israel, led and ordered by God, rescuing their Gibeonite allies by defeating the Amorites. It was a rout. Israel chased the Amorites for miles through a hailstorm which was as deadly as the Israelites themselves. Even more. The sun and moon stood still as if to offer more time for the victory to be complete.

However one may interpret this passage, the implication is and was clear: The Creator God, the One who controls the sun and the moon, made possible the victory. Verse 14 summarizes it this way: “Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!”

The implications for us are similar to those we have discussed in earlier lessons. The first is one of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. How often are we confronted with situations such as the Gibeonites presented Israel? Something seemingly innocent and trustworthy—at least on the surface. Don’t we rely on our own insights and our own wisdom? Why don’t we seek God’s leadership?

Perhaps it is because, unlike the Gibeonites, we live in a day of instant communication. Even as they happen—wars, natural disasters and myriad other events—leave their images on our computer and television screens and, often, indelibly in our memories. So full of “information,” whether or not it is reliable, we can easily overvalue our own opinions and seek less of God’s.

Last spring, after Pope John Paul II died and the Roman Catholic cardinals were assembling to elect the new pope, there was news about the procedures, and we could follow the events minute by minute. One of my students asked me, “Dr. Prevost, do you think those cardinals really seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit when they vote on the new pope?” My response was to ask them, “Do you think members of Baptist churches really seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit when they vote on a new pastor?”

Both situations obviously call Christians to seek a word from God. Both the student’s question and mine in response were valid. And that is the question we must ask ourselves daily: Am I living this day in my own strength and wisdom, or am I really looking for God’s wisdom about how I live and what I do today?

The second is a reminder of the resource we have for completing the tasks to which God calls us. Whether a specific job or task or simply daily living the “Christlife,” God promises not only his presence and wisdom, but he also promises his power and strength.

God is El-Shaddai, God the Almighty, Creator, etc. His power and wisdom are beyond ours and anything we can imagine. As we follow him, God continues to provide daily victories—over temptation, over sin, over difficulty—when we let him.

Discussion question

• 1 Peter 2:9 is a passage precious to Baptists and foundational to our theology. What does it suggest about relying on God’s goodness, grace and power in our daily lives?

• What are some ways you and your church can rely more on God’s wisdom and power to fulfill your calling as God’s “royal priesthood”?