Causing a Stir

Daily Reading: Joshua 9

Scripture Focus: Then all the congregation murmured against the leaders. (Joshua 9.18b)

Devotional Thought: In Joshua 9, the enemies of God's people - the Gibeonites - became workers in the house of God! What a great turnaround. We need more turnarounds like that.

The Gibeonites entered into the covenant family under less than ideal circumstances - they actually lied! I am reminded of what I heard one preacher say, "You have to expect sinners to sin. That's what they are!" And, true to form, the Gibeonites dealt in the only diplomacy they knew - desperation and deception. But, when they followed through on their plan, they got more than they bargained for! God, in his grace, made them an integral part of the worshiping community. He gave them important jobs in the temple - providing the water and the wood for the altar.

Not everything went smoothly, of course. Does it ever? The entry of the Gibeonites into the covenant family caused quite a stir among the 'thoroughbreds'. "The congregation murmured against the leaders." Whenever new people come into an existing social structure, there is conflict and tension. But, Joshua and the leaders recognized a higher value than the comfort of the people. They saw the heart of God in reaching a people lost in darkness. Sometimes, a leader has to hold fast in the face of politically expedient winds.

I am reminded of how Jesus himself caused a stir when he included tax collectors and sinners in his kingdom and when he called uneducated fishermen to follow him. The 'thoroughbreds' of his day didn't much like it either.

Are you causing a stir?

Prayer: Jesus, help me to see that your Kingdom is bigger than my vision. You desire to save the lost of all stripes. You are building your church from the least likely raw materials. Help me to cause a stir by reaching out to those you died to save. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 31.14-18

14 But I trust in you, O Lord;

I say, “You are my God.”

15 My times are in your hand;

rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!

16 Make your face shine on your servant;

save me in your steadfast love!

17 O Lord, let me not be put to shame,

for I call upon you;

let the wicked be put to shame;

let them go silently to Sheol.

18 Let the lying lips be mute,

which speak insolently against the righteous

in pride and contempt.