Don't Make A League With The Devil
Joshua 9:15 says, “And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.”
After the victories at Jericho and Ai, Joshua and the children of Israel were led by God to go deeper into Canaan and face another battle at Gibeon (v. 3). But when the Gibeonites heard of it, they made plans to deceive them (v. 4). The men of Israel became suspicious and asked how they shall make a league with them (v. 7). Joshua also showed a great deal of caution (v. 8), but he gave in to their story after the Gibeonites showed him their moldy bread (v. 12), and tattered garments (v. 13). The Gibeonites’ lies and deception remind us of the devil; he is the father of lies (Jn 8:44), and “is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14).
As bible-believing Christians, we must “be sober, be vigilant” (1 Pet 5:8), and always wearing “the whole armour of God” (Eph 6:13)! We must always be watching and praying (1 Thes 5:17), so we don’t “enter into temptation” (Mk 14:38). Our spiritual visions may be dimmed and become susceptible to Satan’s attacks (2 Cor 2:11); when we neglect our daily Bible reading (2 Tim 2:15), when we stop soulwinning (Mt 28:19), and when we lose interest in church activities (Heb 10:25). Instead of following God, we may end up following our hearts (Jer 17:9)!
But when we are always on guard by not giving “place to the devil” (Eph 4:27), we can walk in absolute victory (1 Cor 15:57). When Joshua’s men ate with the Gibeonites (v. 14), it showed that they have just sealed a bond of unaltered friendship. That gesture caused them to neglect seeking the Lord’s counsel and His will! As a result, they had to suffer some serious consequences. Sadly, we also have a tendency to make hasty decisions in life without first seeking the Lord’s face (1 Chr 16:11), so He can guide us though our prayers (Ps 25:4). He expects us to wait on His answer! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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