Day 104: Appearances Can Be Deceiving

14 Apr, 2019

The Daily Word: Sunday, April 14th, 2019
Joshua 9:3-10:43
Luke 16:19-17:10
Psalm 83:1-18
Proverbs 13:4
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended, old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. 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.” – Josh 9:3-6

Appearances can be deceiving. Israel’s enemies disguised themselves. They, “…pretended to be ambassadors” (v 4), and tricked Joshua and his leaders into agreeing not to harm them.  Joshua agreed because he trusted his eyes more than his heart.

Don’t trust someone you don’t know just because (s)he looks trustworthy. Don’t assume you know how to handle a situation unless you’ve gotten a word from God! Ask God, “Is this someone You want me to have in my life?” Jesus has sent us out, “…as sheep [among] wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt 10:16). Don’t be surprised if the enemy sends you adversaries disguised as allies!

Trust God. Your eyes will play tricks on you. Your emotions will lie to you! But the voice of God will never lead you astray.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for supernatural discernment. Teach me how to love, and tell me whom to trust. You are an amazing God; and You teach me so well! Thank You, in Jesus’ name.

Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.
See commentary from this day in 2018.

© Michael D. White, 2019. All rights reserved.