Can't Beat 'em, Join 'em

In Joshua chapter 9, we encounter a powerful story about deception, discernment, and divine mercy that speaks directly to our daily lives. The Gibeonites, facing certain destruction, crafted an elaborate ruse with stale bread, worn-out clothes, and cracked wineskins to convince Israel they came from a distant land. What's striking is how easily the Israelites were deceived—not by sophisticated lies, but by appearances and their own senses. The critical moment comes in verse 14: they examined the evidence but 'did not seek the Lord's decision.' How often do we make the same mistake? We trust what we see, what sounds reasonable, what feels right, without pausing to seek God's wisdom. This passage challenges us to cultivate genuine discernment through prayer and godly counsel, not just in major life decisions but continually. Yet beneath the deception lies something beautiful—God's mercy. The Gibeonites feared for their lives and threw themselves on Israel's mercy, and they received it. For us on this side of the cross, the message is even more profound: we don't have to beg or plead for mercy. When we humbly confess our need for a Savior, God freely gives grace in abundance. The question becomes: are we walking by faith or by sight? Are our choices reflecting our identity in Christ? This story invites us to examine whether we're truly seeking God's guidance in all things, or just trusting our own limited perspectives.