But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4 they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended, 5 old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. 6 And they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us.”7 Then the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you dwell among us; so how can we make a covenant with you?”8 But they said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” And Joshua said to them, “Who are you, and where do you come from?” 9 So they said to him: “From a very far country your servants have come, because of the name of the Lord your God; for we have heard of His fame, and all that He did in Egypt . . .” Joshua 9:3-9 NKJV
God of Wisdom,
It says later in Joshua 9:14 that they did not inquire of You. Not only Joshua but none of the other men of Israel thought to prompt Joshua to inquire of You God. No one would have argued with them and Joshua would probably have been the first to say yes lets ask first. It is good not to think evil of people and to look for the good – but not everyone is trustworthy! They saw, they believed and they acted on that. They thought they saw.
You have warned us that the same is true today. Paul knew that the church needed to be wise, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).
Help us not to think the worse first but to check in with You and listen for Your small still voice. Whether telling us to wait (Psalm 37:7) or another way to way to go (Psalm 143:8) or to give us wisdom (James 1:5).
Help us to listen so we do not judge or jump to conclusions good or bad. But ask You and then act rather than have to react. Who knows but that our kindness may speak to them even if they meant harm and we can be saved much trouble. Keep us wise and seeking Your wisdom and kind but able to uncover deceit or lies.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Saturday 29th March 2025
New to me and written in 2024 I believe. I like it because it is an honest dialog with the Lord and a singable tune.
Christ our wisdom, we are humbled
When You hide Your ways from us
You have purposes unnumbered
Each one good and glorious
Help us trust when we grow weary
Free us from our anxious thoughts
Give us grace to see more clearly
You are God and we are not
Christ our wisdom, be our gladness
When we fail to understand
You ordain all joy and sadness
To fulfill Your perfect plan
Help us know You rule with power
Over every raging flood
In our most uncertain hour
You are God and we are loved
Christ our wisdom, we will follow
Though the way ahead is veiled
As we journey through the shadows
Grant us faith where sight has failed
Help us cling to Your commandments
Strengthened by Your faithful word
We will never be abandoned
You are God and we are Yours
Christ our wisdom, we adore You
For the beauty of the cross
Once in foolishness we scorned You
But Your blood has ransomed us
Help us sing the endless mercies
Of Your humble heart to save
Christ our wisdom, Christ our glory
You are God forever praised
Help us sing the endless mercies
Of Your humble heart to save
Christ our wisdom, Christ our glory
You are God forever praised
Songwriters: Bob Kaufflin, Jon Althoff, Nathan Stiff.