[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during June 2026]
That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water-carriers for the assembly, to provide for the needs of the altar of the Lord at the place the Lord would choose.
Joshua 9 v27 [NIVUK]
Last week we considered the implications of making promises from the perspective of the promise maker; our case study was based on the incidents recorded in the book of Joshua, chapters 9 and 10. However, the relationship between the Israelites and the Gibeonites did not end with the former rescuing the latter in a memorable and miraculous battle.
The Gibeonites lived within the land that God had promised to the Israelites; they feared conquest by the Israelites and concocted a scheme to avoid that outcome. When their deception was uncovered they accepted Joshua’s verdict without significant objection, perhaps not surprising when we consider the alternative.[1] They explained the motive behind their action.
They answered Joshua, ‘Your servants were clearly told how the Lord your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this.
Joshua 9 v24 [NIVUK]
For their part in the treaty with Israel the Gibeonites became enslaved to the Israelites, in accordance with the instructions that God had given Moses for dealings with nations who were not within the land that God had promised to Israel.[2] Joshua assigned to them tasks which, although manual in nature, were essential to the worship of God.
Are there times when we feel that the work we do for God is mundane and not important in the grand scheme of eternity?
In 1633 the English poet George Herbert addressed this feeling of inferiority in a verse that became familiar to many generations of worshippers:
A servant with this clause makes drudgery divine;
who sweeps a room, as for thy laws, makes that and the action fine.
Although the construction of this couplet seems complex to us it does reinforce the sentiment that, no matter how inconsequential we feel, discharging our duties with a Godly attitude will make our efforts worthwhile.
We would soon notice if the church building had not been swept or the electricity bill had not been paid or if there was no water. We realise that there are people who look after these things, but how often do we appreciate them or thank them for their contribution?
It appears that the Gibeonites became integrated into the wider Israelite society, with mention of them being represented among king David’s mighty men, hosting the centre of worship of God during the reign of Solomon, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and returning from the exile in Babylon.[3] These achievements were, no doubt, built on the foundations of their forefathers’ compliance and diligence.
The apostle Paul recognised that there is a diversity of roles in the service of the Lord. His words reassure us that we are all part of the same team.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
1 Corinthians 12 v4-6 [NIVUK]
Do not despise a humble calling, it could be essential to allowing someone else to fulfil their own service for God.
References:
[1] Deuteronomy 20:16
[2] Deuteronomy 20:10-11
[3] 1 Chronicles 12:4 2 Chronicles 1:3 Nehemiah 3:7 Nehemiah 7:6,25
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Last week’s reflection: Promises, Promises
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys