The Next Thing You Know

Scripture: Afterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings as well as the curses—according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read before the entire assembly of Israel, including the women, the dependents, and the resident aliens who lived among them. Joshua 8:34-35

Observation: Israel has defeated Ai, and Joshua proceeds to act as commanded by the law. As the leader, he writes down his own copy of the law, then reads it to absolutely everyone. That is the summary of chapter 8. The very next thing that happens in chapter 9 is ... Israel is tricked into signing a treaty by the Gibeonites - people from the city right next door to where Israel is now camped - an act expressly forbidden by the law.

Israel is on a cycle of obedience and disobedience. They followed instructions in battling Jerico, were rewarded with success, then disobeyed by keeping some spoils and were punished by a defeat. They followed instructions in purifying themselves, were rewarded with success against Ai, renewed their commitment to obedience, and then disobeyed by entering a treaty with others.

Part of the issue seems to be a lack of consistency in engaging with the Lord. When they engage with Yahweh, he tells them what to do and they obey, and all goes well. Then the fail to consult Yahweh, make their own decisions, and immediately get it wrong. This echos back to original sin ... trusting one's own judgment and decision-making instead of listening for the Lord's guidance.

Application: In watching Israel, I am sure they also think of things as big vs. small decisions. They look to God for all the big decision - what cities to attack, how to fight and not die - but then make their own decisions on small matters. I am sure they didn't think being kind to a bunch of scraggly wanderers was a big deal, but it would turn out to be a major problem for their settlement of the land for decades to come.

I know I don't consult the Lord on little matters. I pray about big things, but not about just daily life. I'm sure this is a problem, and causes me problems all the time. I do wish I would knee-jerk respond to everything in life by turning to the Lord ... from what to say at a meeting, to determining deadlines on work, to finding time to relax, to how to help my family on a daily basis. Otherwise, the next thing that will happen might not be what I want.

Prayer: Lord, may I better develop a nearly reflex reaction to simply seek your guidance in everything, every day. Amen.