この箇所の日本語訳はまだありません。英語の原文を表示しています。
Devotion 1 of 2: Josh 9
This chapter tells the story of the Gibeonites who deceived Israel into believing they lived far away, when they were actually a nearby tribe. So Israel didn’t destroy them but made a covenant of peace with them (v.3-15).
When Israel found out they had been deceived, the people complained against the leaders for making the decision without adequately seeking the Lord (v.14, 18). But the leaders resolved the issue by keeping their promise to the Gibeonites and also emphasizing the positive aspects of the situation, which was that the Gibeonites would serve Israel as woodcutters and water carriers, which would be a great blessing to the people of Israel (v.19-21, 27)!
When leaders make a mistake, and the people are discontented, the best way to resolve the problem is for the leaders to admit their mistake, which many times removes the people’s discontent, then keep any promise they might have made, and look for and emphasize the positives in the situation.
この箇所の日本語訳はまだありません。英語の原文を表示しています。
Devotion 2 of 2: Josh 10
This chapter relates the greatest natural miracle in the history of the world! 5 kings attacked Gibeon, so Gibeon called to Joshua to help them, according to the covenant they had exchanged (v.1-6). Joshua responded with integrity, kept his promise and rushed to Gibeon’s aid so God gave them complete victory (v.7-11).
Then Joshua made an astounding declaration, “Sun and moon, stand still (v.12)!” God responded by stopping the earth’s rotation for a whole day (v.13)! What a miracle of gigantic proportions! I believe God did this because Joshua kept his promise to the Gibeonites! God respects a person who keeps his word, even to his detriment! So what started out as a mistake by Joshua making a covenant with Gibeon, turned into the greatest natural miracle in history, and Israel could experience it because they remained obedient to their leader, Joshua!
Even when leaders make mistakes, if they humbly recognize their error, let’s not complain against them but honor them as leaders. By doing so, God can turn the curse into a great blessing!
— Pastor Elmer Inafuku