Thinking About Joshua Again Today.

Consider Joshua’s courage and commitment to God’s plan. Not often do we read of a person who followed God’s orders so well.

Joshua seemed to have an incredibly healthy fear of the Lord, which extended to his faith and bravery.

Joshua was able to bear witness to God’s power through multiple military campaigns. As the nation of Israel marched across the countryside, he experienced God’s mighty hand.

City after city, Israel’s army took back what was rightfully their homeland.

Take a look at Joshua 11:16-23.

If you’re a Believer in Christ, you have experienced God’s grace and mercy, poured out through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Though we do not deserve it, we are forgiven and accepted into God’s family.

This considered, how do you feel when you read verse 20?

“For it was the LORD himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy,…“

There doesn’t seem to be much grace and mercy for the foreigners who have taken up residence in the Promised Land!

Now, on the flip side…

There’s a multitude of grace and mercy within this story. As we read over the account of Joshua as a whole, God’s feelings toward His people, Israel are filled with grace and mercy. So much so, that God would be willing to wage war against every nation who had moved into their homeland.

Regardless of Israel’s disobedience, complaining and worship of false gods, the nation was forgiven and it was time to go home.

Much like the nation of Israel, we have disobeyed, complained and worshiped false gods. Through an amazing plan of salvation considering the Jew first, then the Gentile; our Lord has forgiven us and made us a part of His chosen people.

One day, He’ll also take us home, to a land far better then “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8). Though we deserve God’s judgment and wrath, we’re blessed with His grace and mercy.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

When does fearing God connect with grace and mercy?