Est. By God | The Book of Joshua
Surprise Intel | From a Surprising Source
Joshua courageously ordered the officers to tell the Israelites to get ready, for in three days they were going to cross the Jordan and take possession of the land the Lord had given them as their own. He also secretly sent two spies to “go look over the land, especially Jericho,” and the surprising intel they brought back from a surprising source reminded Joshua, and reminds us today, just how great is our God!
God’s greatness is revealed:
1. Through His sovereign reign – including over our lives (vs. 1-21)
- He is Lord over all creation (cf. Ps. 103:19; 115:3; Jer. 32:17; Col. 1:16)
- Recognizing and accepting God’s sovereign reign enables us to trust and obey the Lord
- In His sovereignty, He is not only mighty and majestic, but He is also merciful (cf. Ps. 86: 15-16a; 145:8-9)
Has God moved you from simply knowing He is sovereign to a place where you daily find refuge and rest in His reign over your life? When was the last time you paused to reflect and thank God for how He sovereignly orchestrated the events of your life, so that you were able to hear the Gospel and receive the gift of faith to believe? (cf. Ps. 103:1-4)
2. Through His faithfulness – to His Word and His children (vs. 22-24)
- What He has promised in His Word He will bring to pass (cf. Josh. 21:45; Rom. 4:20-21; Heb. 10:23)
- His faithfulness does not end, it continues through all generations (cf. Dt. 7:9; Ps. 100:5)
- He often uses people and circumstances to remind us that He is faithful
In what ways has God specifically shown himself to be faithful to you? Do you take time to give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness? (cf. Ps. 92:1-2). Do you take advantage of opportunities to use your experience to encourage others who might be doubting and need to be reminded that God is faithful? (cf. 1 Thess. 5:12).
3. Through His amazing grace – which changes everything
- Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (cf. Rom. 10:13)
- Our identity is changed from being ‘enemies’ of God (cf. Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21) to being called children of God (cf. Jn. 1:12-13; 1 Jn. 3:1), chosen (cf. Eph. 1:4-6), redeemed (cf. Eph. 1:7; 1 Pt. 1:18-19), a new creation (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17)
- We are saved from God’s wrath (cf. Jn. 3:36; Rom. 5:6-11; Eph. 2:3b-5)
Does God’s saving grace in your life amaze you on a daily basis? If not, like the Psalmist wrote in Ps. 51:12, ask God to “restore unto you the joy of His salvation.” If you are not saved, God’s amazing grace is available to save you today.
Rahab was established by God through His sovereign will, through His faithfulness to bring to pass what was decided before the foundation of the world, and by His grace!
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