God Uses Sin for Good
Today’s reading: Joshua 10:1-12:24
My selection: Joshua 10:6-9
6 And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, “Do not relax your hand from your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country are gathered against us.” 7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. 8 And the Lord said to Joshua,“Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.” 9 So Joshua came upon them suddenly, having marched up all night from Gilgal. 10 And the Lord threw them into a panic before Israel, who struck them with a great blow at Gibeon and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah.
My reflections: Joshua and the people of Israel had acted foolishly and disobediently in making a treaty with their tricky neighbors, the Gibeonites. This resulted in Gibeon being attacked by the alliance of kings under Adoni-zebek. But even this was turned for good in that Joshua had time to ready his troops and make a surprise attack on the enemy resulting in a great defeat and the conquering of the southern nations. This is not to say a victory (or even greater victory) would not have come without the foolish treaty with Gibeon, only that after the treaty was made God’s purposes were not thwarted and His blessing on Israel continued.
My challenge: It is never wise or good to sin but God is able to forgive and make our dumb or evil choices result in good. Do not waste time playing the “what if” game about your past sin. Confess and move on, knowing God will make all things turn out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28).
Tomorrow’s reading: Joshua 13:1-15:63