Enquire of the Lord

Joshua was off to a great start in conquering the land of Canaan. Jericho and Ai were defeated. When the other kings heard what Joshua and his army had accomplished, they banded together. However, the inhabitants of Gibeon formed a different strategy. Instead of fighting against Joshua and his military, they sought to make a covenant with them under the guise of living a great distance away.

The Gibeonites brought provisions that looked aged. “Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord. So Joshua made peace with them to let them live; and the rulers of the congregation swore to them.” (Joshua 8:14-15). Because Joshua and his people did not enquire of the Lord, the Israelites were now under obligation to protect those they were originally to destroy.

While we are not leading a military campaign as Joshua did, we still must find it essential to make enquires before the Lord when it comes to spiritual matters. Too often, men today will hear a spiritual viewpoint and accept it as truth without verifying what they heard with the word of God. This is not only a reckless way to live, but also an unnecessary way to live.

“³¹ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

The word of God is readily available. Contained in the word of God is the word of truth which leads us to eternal life. Equally, truth is claimed to be in the words of man, but it is verified by the word of God. Therefore, we must be diligent in verifying what we hear.

The Bereans did this. Paul preached the gospel to them. Although he was an inspired apostle who was certainly trustworthy, the Bereans verified his words. Luke records, “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

Perhaps it is too easy today to put our faith in the credentials of man. We see preachers as good honest men who would never steer anyone wrong. Consequently, we hear their words and trust what they say without ever questioning them.

Joshua learned too late the value of enquiring of the Lord. Therefore, let us learn from his example. When we hear the word of God being proclaimed, let us have our bibles open. Let us be like the precious Bereans who searched the Scriptures to verify truth. When we do these things, we will certainly know the truth of God’s word, and that truth will set us free indeed.

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks