Scripture Focus: “And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat
in the blood.” Genesis 37:31
Jacob saw Joseph’s blood-stained coat and believed the worst. The facts were before him,
evidence he could see and touch, but the facts lied. His beloved son wasn’t dead. Many times,
what looks true on the surface is far from the full story. This is why we must not lean on what
our eyes see alone. The enemy is a master of illusions, and without the discernment of the Holy
Spirit, even wise people can be fooled.
The Gibeonites in Joshua 9 disguised themselves as weary travellers. Their moldy bread and
torn clothes made them look like they came from afar, and Israel believed their story because
the facts were convincing. But Joshua did not ask counsel from the Lord. That one mistake cost
Israel a permanent covenant with deceitful people. Deception thrives when we move without
divine direction. Don’t be led by emotions or external appearances. Let God lead you because
what you see may not be what is true.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see beyond what is obvious. Deliver me from the trap of deception.
Further Reading: Genesis 37:31–35, Joshua 9:1–27