Beware of modern Gibeonites!

In the midst of the triumphs and enthusiasm that comes from knowing that you are "humanly" doing God's will, mistakes can be made. The church must be alert to the covenants and alliances that we usually enter into supposedly for the benefit of the congregations and the work of God. Discernment is also a spiritual gift, but the source of true discernment comes of the counsel of God. All our life and action in Christ depend, essentially, on our relationship with him.

Voices like siren songs frequently reach the Gilgal of God, which is the Church of Jesus Christ on earth, offering perks and "new opportunities" in exchange for prestige, (false) loyalty, and personal benefits. They also usually bring new songs to enrich the tradition. They believe that salvation is an ointment that is anointed and not a remedy for the inner man. They are the friends of the alliances that arrive with their skins that seem to be broken, but in reality they come prepared to take a good loot. If we do not discern correctly to discover their real intentions, we fall into the trap. At first glance they seem to come with a religious motivation and speak of God and his works as if they already lived in heaven.

Today's Gibeonites are opportunistic, deceitful, and their intention is to harm the church. The antidote to not falling ill with irresponsible enthusiasm is to seek God's counsel before making covenants and promises that lead to perdition.

It happened to Josué. He made the mistake of not consulting God when the Gibeonites cunningly asked him to enter into a peace pact of dark intentions that would save them from certain death and allow him to introduce their religions and gods into the people. It was a fellowship of pagan kings united to weaken Joshua's fortitude and divert his mission of conquering the promised land to the people of Israel. From the Exodus God warned his people saying: "Do not make any pact with them or with their gods." (Exodus 23.32). However, Josué was carried away by his feelings and did not consult God. Within 3 days of the covenant in the Gilgal camp, the people discovered the truth and Joshua began to make amends for his grave error.

Church of Christ, watch out for today's Gibeonites! Before making seemingly beneficial alliances, talk to God. The Gibeonites are subtle and malicious: they bring doctrines of men disguised as religion; They appear pity, but are ruthless until they achieve their petty goals. They are seductive because they know how to present their attractions as bait for the desperate to eat fish. Let us be alert. We should not establish alliances with those who take the Lord for barter and business that seems good, but deep down they are dirty. Prayer and seeking God's counsel in his word will free us from meaningless compromises and fleeting and unnecessary alliances that are beyond the limits of his perfect will.

God bless your Word!

Suggested Reading: Joshua 9