REMEMBER WHEN GOD…
Opening Prayer
Lord, prepare our way before us.
Read JOSHUA 2:17–24
17 Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. 19 If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. 20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”
21 “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.”
So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
22 When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. 23 Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. 24 They said to Joshua, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”
Meditate
‘Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to His anointed. He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand’ (Ps 20:6).
Think Further
Christians like to recount their stories of God’s salvation in their lives. In doing so, they express their appreciation to a faithful God, and their stories also enable them to move forward with hope. Furthermore, personal testimony of God’s omnipotence can often breach doors of resistance where other methods fall short. Some people question Joshua’s faith in sending out spies when God has already told him, ‘I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses’ (Josh 1:3). The inclusion of Rahab and the spies in lists of Israel’s faith heroes (while Joshua is excluded) again raises a question. Moreover, we read nothing about any useful information gained by the spies as they face danger.
Whatever the basis of the decision by Joshua, we once more encounter God’s provision for His own. The spies return to safety, extending that security to Rahab’s family. God is our Savior, and we see that this is not restricted to Israel but includes those like Rahab, whose faith is in Him. The spies do return with some information: the affirmation that the Lord’s promise is correct; He has indeed given them the land (24). All Jericho knows of God’s hand upon the Israelites (although the Israelites remain unaware of this), and they wait in mortal dread, affirming God’s promise to send terror ahead of the Israelites (Exod 23:27).
So often what God has promised is difficult for us to grasp for a variety of reasons. Looking back enables us to recall and listen to the stories of a faithful God who has continually been an Ebenezer (Meaning ‘stone of help’; see 1 Sam 7:12 ). Sharing my own story over the years of God’s salvation against all probability has been surprisingly transformational for me and others, and I wonder how often our stories reach ears we know nothing about.
Apply
Like Rahab, are we prepared to exchange our old life for God’s new one? Are you prepared or praying for an opportunity to share God’s story in your life?
Closing prayer
Lord, we recall the mighty deliverances for us at Your hand which have enabled us to get this far in our walk with You.
Book and Author Intros
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