Grace and Hope in the History Books: Joshua - Esther

Grace and Hope in the Book of Joshua It could be said that when we read the Books of Joshua and Judges, it is easy to see God mistakenly, as vengeful and cruel, when we read of thousands of Canaanites being killed in battle. But there are a few points to consider before we come to that conclusion: • There were no laws in Canaan – they were a lawless people and acted as such, without restraint.

(Read the books all the way through!) They would be a bad influence on the Israelites.

• In their culture one person could be representative of the whole family, or even a tribe or a kingdom.

• God still showed grace and mercy to those who accepted his ways and respected his law and his people. God is always righteous in his judgments.

So, rather than dwelling on these difficult issues, we will look at those times when God’s grace shines through: • Crossing the Jordan • Saving Rahab and her family • Honouring the promise to the Gibeonites • Causing the Sun to stand still • Defeating all the kings who warred against Israel • Dividing and allotting the land to each tribe • Providing Cities of Refuge Crossing the Jordan – Read chapter 3v5&6, 3v14-4v3 and 8&9 It was harvest time, and the river was in flood. But, as soon as the feet of the priests touched the water (3v15,16) the water stopped flowing and the people could cross on DRY ground! And as soon as they had crossed, and the priests came up out of the water, the Jordan ran as before (4v18). The Ark of the Covenant – the place which represented God’s grace – went before them. God himself made the way for them. What an act of grace and encouragement as they entered the Promised Land. They knew there would be giants ahead – but God had shown that He would be with them.

Jericho and Rahab – Read chapter 2v1-18 and 6v16&17 What was it that saved Rahab and her family (see 2v10&11)? It was not just her act of kindness, but the fact that she recognised Israel’s God as Lord. Her faith (like Abraham’s) was credited to her as righteousness. Everyone had heard about Israel’s God, but only Rahab believed.

The scarlet cord was a symbol of God’s grace. It tells us that: • Anyone can find redemption when they believe on the Lord • William Evans noted, “Cut the Bible anywhere and it bleeds.” The scarlet cord represents the grace that is in the blood of Jesus as it is prophesied and symbolised throughout the Old Testament.

• The scarlet cord was an act of faith. Rahab was saved by grace, through faith alone. We cannot be saved by being an Israelite or by being a member of a church, ONLY BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH. Read Ephesians 2v8 The Gibeonites – Read chapter 9v1-6, v14-18, v26&27 The Gibeonites lived not far from Jerusalem, but they had heard about Israel and their God. They obviously believed in the power of God and had respect for Him, and they did not want to get caught 2