Twisted Obedience

Scripture:

Joshua 16:10  "But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced laborers".

Observation:

Israel was told to totally annihilate every group of people who lived in their Promised Land.  They were told to leave nobody living.  In many cases, like this one, Israel had a form of twisted obedience.  They subdued their enemies, but didn't totally wipe them out as God had told them to do.  The Canaanites in this verse, became forced laborers, but in the long run, the Canaanites were a problem for Israel for years to come because of twisted obedience.

Application:

God doesn't want us to take His commands, add our spin to them, then do what we want to do.  He is not pleased with partial or twisted obedience.  The things God speaks to us are not just suggestions, they are commands, not to be twisted into what we think they should be.  We need to fully obey like a Joshua or Caleb instead of twisting things around and partially obeying, which always brings problems down the road.

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to obey You well and accomplish all You want me to.  Teach me to hear Your voice and see Your hand working so that I can follow precisely.  I want to speak with You as friend with friend.  I want to know You deeper each day.

Yours,
Jeff