God's Victories and Adoptions

by Anthony Wilson

Advent Devotional ~ Day 12

Read Joshua 1-2

Go ahead and read the entire book of Joshua. It is a story of God winning battles with His people, God redeeming His enemies, and God caring for His people. The story starts with Joshua taking over as the leader of Israel after Moses dies. This is a big transition for the Jewish people since Moses had led them from the time they left Egypt 40 years before Joshua's leadership. God is using Joshua to lead the people into the promised land and win great victories. However, before the Jewish people can cross into the promised land, Joshua sends spies into the land to understand what enemies they will face. Two spies went into the city of Jericho and needed to hide from the guards. They found refuge in the house of Rahab. She was a prostitute who lived within the kingdom of the enemy. Even though she was a sinner and not part of God's chosen people, she understood the might of the Lord. In Joshua 2:9-14, Rahab explains that she has heard of what God has done for the Jewish people and against their enemies. Therefore, she asked the spies to spare her life when the Israel army came to destroy Jericho. The spies promised to protect her, and she prevented the enemy from finding the spies. Rahab's work allowed the spies to return to Joshua and report that "Truly the Lord has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us." This report gave the Jewish people the courage to cross the Jordan river and destroy the enemies as God instructed them. In addition, the spies ensured the protection of Rahab during the battle. Hebrews 11:31 tells us that Rahab had faith in God. "By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies." The stories of God's victories had caused Rahab's heart to be melted and her to have faith that God is mighty. Rahab's story has only gotten us to chapter 3 of Joshua. Go ahead and read the rest of the book. See how God leads His people into victories when they obey Him and discipline them when they disobey Him. See how God gives His people the land He had promised their ancestors. The book of Joshua demonstrates how God's might wins victories and draws people into faith.

Reflection

Thank God for melting your hard heart and making it new. Dwell on the might of God and how He is and will be victorious through Christ.

Application questions

1. Has God's might melted your heart? If so, how can you share the stories of God's might to others?

2. Can you see how God changes the hearts of His enemies to use them for His victories? How has God changed your heart, and what victories is He using you for?