Zech 7:11-12
11 But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear. 12 Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus great wrath came from the LORD of hosts. (NKJV)
-They had just asked for God’s instructions in vs 2 & 3 but they didn’t want to receive the answer they got in vs 4-10. I think this is dumb, however I think it is a rather common practice. In fact, I think I have been guilty of it. They weren’t looking for an actual answer, they were looking for support. They only want advice from people who will tell them what they want to hear. They ignore everything that doesn’t line up with their own plans and when they finally find someone who will tell them what they want to hear, they say “see I have talked to people and sought counsel and ‘Bob’ agrees with me.” What a way to fool themselves (James 1:22)!
- God, please help me to not to do that. Give me a soft and receptive heart that wants to please you whatever the cost. I want to lay down my plans and desires to follow yours. Help me to respond with quick obedience to your word whatever and whenever it may be.
Joshua had done so good about seeking God up until the below story. God had told Israel to wipe out all the inhabitants in the promise land and people showed up pretending to be from far away out of the promise land when really they lived close. God would have told Josh had he asked, but instead he was fooled by lies. It seemed locical in his analytical brain that they were from far away due to the way their food looked so he didn’t think he needed to ask God.
Even if something makes logical sense, you still MUST seek God’s counsel so that you are not deceived. Just because something is a good idea does not mean it is a God idea.
Josh 9:12-15
12 This bread of ours we took hot for our provision from our houses on the day we departed to come to you. But now look, it is dry and moldy. 13 And these wineskins which we filled were new, and see, they are torn; and these our garments and our sandals have become old because of the very long journey.”
14 Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD. 15 So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the congregation swore to them.
NKJV
…Josh 9:22-23
22 Then Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying,’We are very far from you,’ when you dwell near us? 23 Now therefore, you are cursed, and none of you shall be freed from being slaves — woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.”
NKJV
Amanda Vander Klok
