” 25 And now, behold, we are in your hand. Whatever seems good and right in your sight to do to us, do it.” 26 So he did this to them and delivered them out of the hand of the people of Israel, and they did not kill them.” Joshua 9:25-26 ESV
As you navigate this new territory, you will have to make decisions that will impact the lives of many. Some will come before you in truth, while others will seek to deceive you. The important thing is to know the difference between the two and always honor the promises you extend to them.
The Lord gave Joshua instructions to possess the land and destroy all its inhabitants. However, he was deceived by the men of Gibeon, who were a part of the Hivite people that the Lord instructed him to destroy. So Joshua made a covenant with the men to spare their lives, although it was contrary to the instructions of the Lord.
Joshua could have easily destroyed the Gibeonites, but because of the covenant or the solemn spiritual agreement to spare them, Joshua was faced with a dilemma. Child of God, sometimes you will find yourselves in a similar situation based upon a promise. Remember to be honorable and fulfill the promises to people you make before the Lord even when you know that you have been deceived. The Lord will always repay their deception. Because of their deception, the Gibeonites were bound to a servant’s life. So during this time of fasting and praying, remember to always honor your word by doing what is right towards all humanity even when it’s difficult for you.
~Written by: Pastor Walter Robertson, III
