Do you know the genuine from the fake?
One of the most evil acts for me is people who send texts etc pretending to be organisations and then take all of that person’s life savings. Some have lost pensions, and in today’s different times that we find ourselves in, people are still constantly looking for ways to take advantage of us.
We are warned by banks etc and are given advice on how to protect ourselves.
It is no different in our spiritual lives; we need to be aware of scams.
In the book of Joshua, we come across a situation where Israel fell for the biggest scam in their history.
The background was they were in a period of fighting and one nation knew they could not defeat Israel so this is what they did.
Delegation
A group of men were sent from the Gibeonite elders to go to meet Joshua and the leaders of Israel.
Deception
Their donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and mouldy.
Deliberation
What was lacking? Verse 14 -15 The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.
Decision
The Israelites made a pact or oath which was binding, a binding agreement between two parties in which if the Gibeonites kept their part Israel could not touch them.
The scam worked and Israel regretted that decision for the rest of their lives.
Seems all too familiar, but do you know how to be a true follower of Jesus? Can you spot the genuine from the fake?
The answer is to remember not to dwell on the fake but the genuine. Once you know the genuine you can spot the fake as they say from a mile away.
How do I do that? God has the answer. Read and study the Bible.
In Acts 17:12 it says:
The Jews received Paul’s message with enthusiasm and met with him daily, examining the Scriptures to see if they supported what he said. A lot of them became believers, including many Greeks who were prominent in the community, women and men of influence.
Acts 17:12 The Message
Did you notice they did not just take Paul’s words? They investigated what Paul said to see if this was a scam. They discovered it was true and so will you if you take time to study the Bible or why not join our Alpha course.
The Jews received Paul’s message with enthusiasm and met with him daily, examining the Scriptures to see if they supported what he said.
Stay safe Blessed