Joshua 2 - God Prepares the Way

Don't you absolutely love it when God uses the unexpected to accomplish His purposes. It might be an unanticipated event, a surprise revelation, or even an unexpected individual. When we pay attention we are often amazed by the extraordinary. We simply cannot make assumptions about the way God is going to accomplish His purposes. Take a moment to read Joshua chapter 2.

In Experiencing God, by Henry Blackaby, he encourages God's children to watch for the things God is doing and then to join Him in His purposes. That is exactly happened with a prostitute named Rahab. Joshua sent two spies back into the land of Canaan saying, "Go and scout the land, especially Jericho." Joshua 2:1 That alone was an act of faith, because the last time spies were sent into Canaan, most of them returned terrified and the people ended up wandering around the desert for forty years.

Let's take a few minutes and look at some ways we can apply the events found in these verses of Scripture.

1.Through faith the Lord enables us to look at others with eyes of love and compassion. What a beautiful example of God's grace! He used a prostitute to protect the spies. Rahab's home was the perfect place to hide because . . . it would not have been unusual for traveling men to stay at her home; a dwelling built into the city wall which made it perfect for a quick escape.

We can be guilty of judging people by outward appearances, but it is important to always remember that God is in the business of change. Let's see what the New Testament had to say about Rahab:

    Faith led the prostitute Rahab to welcome the spies as friends. She was not killed with those who refused to obey God. Hebrews 11:31

    The same is true of the prostitute Rahab who welcomed the spies and sent them away on another road. She received God's approval because of what she did. James 2:25

Faith changes people! It was faith that led Rahab. In Joshua 2:11b we read her words, The Lord your God is the God of heaven and earth. The people of Jericho had heard about the miracles God had accomplished for the Children of Israel. Rahab had also heard of the miraculous works of God. Through their message she was called to faith and used for God's purposes. 

2. Through faith the Lord prepares and enables us to help one another. Last week we looked at God's command to Joshua to be strong and courageous and to not be afraid. When we watch the way the Lord is working in the lives of other people, we are strengthened and given courage because we trust His presence.

So often we are tempted to hide our struggles. Rahab could have hidden in shame rather than allow God to use her. When we fail to move forward in faith because of our guilt or embarrassment, we deny God's ability to forgive and use us. We each have a testimony! Not one of us has gotten to a place where God uses us without having had missteps along the way. We are sinners in need of forgiveness. God forgives us because of Jesus sacrifice for us. Through forgiveness and Holy Spirit empowered faith God changes us, and uses the truth of our changed lives to encourage faith in others. 

When God uses a friend to encourage me with the words, "I have been where you are and I want to tell you that God not only sustained me, but He gave me everything I needed for victory over that problem." My faith is strengthened, my hope increases, and my heart is changed accordingly. 

3. Through faith the Lord uses us to accomplish His purposes. Rahab hid and protected the spies. The spies promised to spare her and the members of her family when Jericho was conquered, and they brought back a positive report to Joshua.

Joshua 2:16; She told them, "Go to the mountains so that the men who are pursuing you will not find you. Hide there for three days until they return to Jericho. Then you can go on your way."

Joshua 2:18; When we invade your land, tie this red cord in the window through which you let us down. Also gather your father, mother, brothers, and all your father's family into your house.

Joshua 2:24;They told Joshua, "The Lord has given us the whole country. The people who live there are deathly afraid of us.

Each of the people named above had the wisdom, strength, and courage to act on faith. God had promised this land to Abraham generations earlier, and through obedience to His leadership the Children of Israel were finally going to enter the land chosen for them.

May we each this day and through all the days ahead be blessed with faith - to look with eyes of love and compassion, to help one another, to accomplish the Lord's purposes.

Father, strengthen our faith. Please change us to be more like You. Give us eyes which see others with an attitude of love and compassion. May we never be quick to judge. Please grant us all that we need to have a humble spirit that is forgiving and kind. Father, make us quick to help and encourage one another. Forgive our selfish hearts, and bless us to know the joy of service to You and all whom You place around us. Finally Lord, enable us to see Your plans and purposes. Give us wisdom and direct us toward those things You are doing, and give us courage and strength to join You in complete and faithful submission. Thank you, Father. Grant these things for Jesus sake and through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.