Terry Scheuffele

Be Strong and Courageous:

The LORD, the God of Israel, Fought for Israel

Israel’s success with Jericho and Ai really stirred up a “hornet’s nest” with the Canaanite peoples. They were desperate to devise strategies for their protection. The kings of the north formed an alliance and built a combined army to fight Israel. The kings of the south did the same. Last week. we learned about the Gibeonites who resorted to a ruse to trick Joshua into making a treaty with them (something God had forbidden). Their ruse worked and Joshua swore a rash oath to be their ally. This trick saved the Gibeonite cities, but it cost them their freedom and the ire of their Canaanite neighbors.

Joshua 10:1-5 Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and were living near them. 2 He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. 3 So Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon. 4 “Come up and help me attack Gibeon,” he said, “because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.” 5 Then the five kings of the Amorites– the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon– joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.

The Gibeonites called for help from their newfound ally and Joshua came to their aid.

Joshua 10:6-10 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us.” 7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” 9 After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. 10 The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great victory at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah.

God gave Israel a great victory that day. They were able to defeat the combined armies of the south in one battle! This battle is best known for the miracle God performed in making the sun stand still to allow more time in battle.

Joshua 10:11-14 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites. 12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!

Our lesson today builds on this one thought: if the LORD of Israel fought for them, how much more will he fight for us!

Romans 8:31-32 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all– how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

The Men of Israel… Did Not Inquire of the Lord

After Israel’s defeat of Jericho and Ai, the Canaanite peoples grew alarmed and began to devise strategies for their protection and defense. The kings of the north decided to make alliances with each other and create a unified army to challenge Joshua.

Joshua 9:1-2 Now when all the kings west of the Jordan heard about these things– those in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the entire coast of the Great Sea as far as Lebanon (the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites)– 2 they came together to make war against Joshua and Israel.

The Gibeonites, however, devised an alternate strategy; they “resorted to a ruse.”

Joshua 9:3-13 However, when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4 they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. 5 The men put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. 6 Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.” 7 The men of Israel said to the Hivites, “But perhaps you live near us. How then can we make a treaty with you?” 8 “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. But Joshua asked, “Who are you and where do you come from?” 9 They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the LORD your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt, 10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan– Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. 11 And our elders and all those living in our country said to us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go and meet them and say to them, “We are your servants; make a treaty with us.”‘ 12 This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is. 13 And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.”

Surprisingly, their ruse was successful!

Joshua 9:15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

Joshua’s treaty and subsequent oath by the leaders did not sit will with the people when the ruse was discovered. Though it is not mentioned in the text, I’m sure their “rash oath” was also not pleasing to God. Joshua and the leaders of the assembly made a serious error in judgment and the narrative clearly identifies it.

Joshua 9:14 The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD.

What an important lesson for us to learn in this age of scientific polls, church growth analysis, and cookie cutter programs. Research is a great tool, but we can do all the “human” research required to approve a course of action and still fail miserably  because it is not the LORD’s will. We must learn to inquire of the Lord! I’ll say more in my lesson.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

The Power and Influence of Mothers*

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down (Proverbs 14:1).

Brief as it is, this verse carries profound implications for the role of mothers in shaping families and communities. As the cornerstone of the home, a mother’s actions ripple outward, impacting not only her family but also the broader church and society.

The imagery of building a house suggests intentionality, strength, and care. A wise mother constructs her home on a foundation of godly principles. She nurtures her children and spouse with love, discipline, and spiritual guidance. She is a teacher, imparting values that shape character. Through her example, she instills virtues such as kindness, integrity, and faith in God. Her words, seasoned with grace, encourage and uplift; she creates an environment where family members thrive. This building process is not without challenges—motherhood demands patience and resilience—but the wise mother trusts in God’s strength to sustain her.

In contrast, the foolish woman “tears hers down” through actions driven by selfishness, anger, or neglect. This does not imply that every mistake a mother makes is destructive, but rather that consistent patterns of unwise choices—such as harsh words, lack of presence, or failure to model faith—can erode the stability of the home. The verse underscores the weight of a mother’s influence; her choices matter deeply, for they shape the emotional and spiritual health of her family.

Mothers in Scripture exemplify this dual potential. Hannah, who, through her fervent prayers and dedication, built a legacy of faith by dedicating Samuel to God (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Her wisdom and trust in God laid a foundation for Israel’s spiritual renewal.

On the other hand, Jezebel’s influence led her family and nation into idolatry, illustrating the destructive power of folly (1 Kings 21:25). A mother’s influence extends beyond her immediate household; she shapes future generations and communities.

In the church, mothers are vital builders of spiritual homes. They teach Sunday school, pray for their children’s salvation, and model Christlike love. Their faith inspires others and strengthens the body of Christ. A mother who prays for her wayward child, for instance, builds not only her own house but also the church’s foundation by entrusting her family to God. Her influence fosters a culture of hope and perseverance within the congregation.

The role of a mother is not limited to biological children. Spiritual mothers—women who mentor, nurture, and guide others in faith—also embody Proverbs 14:1. In churches, these women build up the body of Christ by investing in younger generations, offering wisdom and encouragement. Their influence reminds us that all women, regardless of family status, can build God’s house through their faithfulness.

As we reflect on Proverbs 14:1, let us honor the mothers in our midst. Their daily sacrifices, often unseen, are acts of wisdom that construct strong families and churches. Let us also encourage them, recognizing the challenges they face in a world that often undervalues their role. May our prayers support them as they build with love, faith, and wisdom, trusting God to guide their hands.

* This article was created in collaboration between the author and Grok3.

Be Strong and Courageous:

Israel Has Sinned

Emboldened by their victory at Jericho, the Israelites next turned their attention to Ai. This was, apparently, a much less formidable opponent than Jericho. Reconnaissance revealed that a force of around 2,000-3,000 in number should assure victory. However, this was not the result of the battle.

Joshua 7:2-5 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3 When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the people will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there.” 4 So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

Joshua fell down before the Lord and pled Israel’s case. Why had this happened? Why had God turned his back on his people?

Joshua 7:6-9 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. 7 And Joshua said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! 8 O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? 9 The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great name?”

The Lord interrupted what had begun to resemble a “pity party” to inform them of the real reason Israel was routed at Ai; they had sinned.

Joshua 7:10-13 The LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction. 13 “Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: That which is devoted is among you, O Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it.”

The opening verses of this chapter explain succinctly what had happened, but the remainder of it dramatically reveals a tragic story of greed and punishment.

Joshua 7:1 But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD’s anger burned against Israel.

Achan’s greed resulted in his own death, everyone in his household, and thirty-six of Israel’s best soldiers. Further, the rout at Ai disheartened the whole nation, destroyed Israel’s reputation among the Canaanites, and sullied the name of the LORD. All of this occurred because of one man’s sin. Such is the nature of sin. I’ll say more in my lesson.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

Shout! For the Lord has Given You the City

The King, mighty warriors, and people of Jericho were prepared. They had shut the gate. No one could come in or out. They were hunkered down and ready to defend their city. They were confident their mighty wall would withstand any assault. Perhaps they could endure the siege and outlast their enemy.

However, God had other plans for the inhabitants of Jericho. God had given Jericho into the hands of Israel.

Joshua 6:1-2 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.

The conquest of Canaan, beginning with Jericho, is both the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham and his descendants and an exercise of his divine judgment upon the idolatrous, wicked, and unrighteous practices of its inhabitants. Jericho, being the first city in the Promised Land, had been put under “the curse.” The NIV speaks of the city being “devoted to God.” This means that they were absolutely and irrevocably consecrated so that they could not be redeemed (Leviticus 27:28-29); it also meant they were sentenced to utter destruction (Deuteronomy 13:16). Only Rahab and her family along with the gold and silver spoils for the Lord’s treasury were spared.

Joshua 6:17-19 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the LORD. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the LORD and must go into his treasury.”

From a human standpoint, the problem Israel faced was that wall. How were they to breach that mighty wall? The answer lies in the activity of God. God had given them the city. This was to be no ordinary battle. This is why the heavenly warrior and the Lord’s army were dispatched. The defeat of Jericho was to be accomplished by a mere shout given at the command of Joshua.

For six days, the army of Israel marched once around the city, sounding their trumpets all the while, per God’s instructions. On the seventh day, they marched around it seven times. There must have been a period of silence, because, when the trumpets sounded again on the seventh pass, Joshua commanded the people to shout. When they shouted, the walls fell down flat. Israel’s army, completely surrounding the city, ran straight over the rubble and took the city.

Surely, God had given them the city, because the walls fell with just a shout!

What mighty obstacle have you encountered in your Christian walk? Don’t you know that, like Jericho, God can remove what seems to be unmovable!

I’ll say more in Sunday’s message.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

As Commander of

the Army of the LORD

I Have Now Come

Everything has been prepared. Joshua leads by the authority of God. Israel is consecrated and obedient. The Jordan has been crossed. The people of God are enjoying the fruit of the Promised Land. They are poised to begin the conquest of the land when Joshua encounters a heavenly visitor.

In Sunday’s lesson, we will discuss Joshua’s encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Host.

Joshua 5:13-15 13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” 14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” 15 The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

I have met some interesting, at times even, famous, individuals in my life, but none like the one Joshua met near Jericho. Here was a man (?) with his sword drawn. This individual was prepared for battle and wielding his sword in an ambiguous enough way to prompt the response from Joshua, “Are you for us or for our enemies.” This is most likely to be viewed as a challenge to the stranger by Israel’s general, “Halt! Who goes there? Friend or Foe?”

The stranger’s response is intriguing, “Neither.” In the same breath he will identify himself as the commander of the Lord’s Army, but the response is still odd. If I may paraphrase, he says, “I am neither for you nor for your enemies.”

This is confusing. Is the LORD no longer on Israel’s side? Will this heavenly warrior refuse to fight for God’s people? No, God has not left Israel. The commander of God’s army is making his allegiance clear – it is for the LORD and the LORD alone that he fights.

This lesson is one we need to learn today. We commonly think of God being “on our side” in whatever allegiances we may take. We may have good, even biblical, reasons for whatever side we may take doctrinally, religiously, socially, politically, nationally or even in regard to our college football team (have you ever prayed your team would win?).

However, God is not Republican or Democrat, American or Israeli, Capitalist or Communist, conservative or liberal, progressive or traditional, Bronco or Vandal. A common reason for our becoming disillusioned with God is our expectation that he will always support our cause, plan, program, ministry, etc. This is a naïve expectation that assumes that God thinks like us.

No, instead, we should ask if we are on God’s side. That was the allegiance of LORD’s Commander and that is why Joshua changed his attitude from challenging a rival – “are you for us or our enemies” – to humble submission before God – “what message does my Lord have for his servant?”

Victory is for those who are on the LORD’s side, not for those who think the LORD is on theirs.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

Today I have Rolled Away the Reproach of Egypt

God is preparing both Joshua and Israel to take the Promised Land. God has made it clear that he is leading them and will never leave or forsake them. His mighty works have demonstrated his faithfulness. His most recent miracle, the crossing of the Jordan, has been memorialized by a heap of twelve stones taken from middle of the Jordan from the very place where the priests stood during the crossing. These are to serve as a reminder of God’s power and goodness from generation to generation.

In Sunday’s study, we will discuss three distinct, yet interrelated, events Israel experienced as a part of their preparation – the circumcision of those born during the wilderness wanderings, their first Passover in the Promised Land, and their enjoyment of Canaan’s first fruits.

Joshua 5:2-12 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. 4 Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt– all the men of military age– died in the desert on the way after leaving Egypt. 5 All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the desert during the journey from Egypt had not. 6 The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. 9 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day. 10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. 11 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. 12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan.

With their feet firmly in Canaan, Israel was “coming of age.” It was time to break with the past and set their minds on the future. These three events mark this occasion.

Circumcision was the mark of the Covenant given to Abraham and his children. This had been neglected during their forty years in wilderness. This mark identified them as God’s people.

The Passover was a feast kept in memorial of their deliverance from the final plague brought upon Egypt. It’s observance before their exodus from Egypt and now after their entry into the Promised Land bookends and brings closure to their desert experience.

Finally, partaking in the produce of the land, fulfilled God’s promise of a “land flowing with milk and honey.” This is further indicated by the end of the miraculous supply of manna.

Together, these events signify a break with 400 years of oppression and 40 years of wandering. Now they can set their hearts on what God had in store for them in their new home.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

What Do these Stones Mean?

God told Joshua to Be Strong and Courageous. Both Joshua and Israel needed to trust in God completely to do the amazing things He planned for them to do. This series is intended to give us encouragement for those times when the circumstances of life leave us discouraged and weary.

Thus far in our study, Joshua has been empowered by God to lead the people, spies have brought back an encouraging report, and God has prepared the people to cross the Jordan. He told them to consecrate themselves and follow the Ark of the Covenant. As soon as the feet of the Priests carrying the Ark touched the water, the Jordan stopped flowing nineteen miles upriver and “stood up in a heap.” All of Israel crossed over on dry land! It was an amazing display of God’s power! Israel certainly had reason to Be Strong and Courageous!

Sunday’s teaching deals with the stones God commanded Joshua to remove from the middle of the Jordan.

Joshua 4:4-8

4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” 8 So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down.

This is certainly a curious story. Why did God have them gather these stones and what is the significance for us? I underlined the answer to both questions in the text above, “to serve as a sign among you.”

One purpose of this study is to remind us that we, like Israel, are the covenant people of God. We can be strong and courageous because God will never leave or forsake us. We can be strong and courageous because we have a salvation history that declares, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all– how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). We can be strong and courageous because God still does amazing things among us.

However, we still get discouraged and weary. What can we do to remind ourselves of the victory that we have in Jesus? We need to set up “memorial stones” or “mile markers” within our individual and church lives to encourage us we when “forget.” These need not be literal stones, but mental notes, journal entries, anniversary dates, or some other device that keeps Gods’ mighty works ever before us.

Sunday, I’ll share some of my personal “mile markers.” Maybe my experiences will jog our collective memories of God’s activity in our lives.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

The Lord Will Do Amazing Things Among You!

This sermon series is entitled Be Strong and Courageous. It is based on the book of Joshua. So far in our study we have learned that Joshua is now the Leader of God’s people and soon they will begin their conquest of the Promised Land. Yahweh encourages him to focus on the task ahead, prepare himself and Israel, trust God’s promises, and obey everything the Lord had said. Joshua sends two spies on a reconnaissance mission and their encouraging report reinforces Israel’s trust in God’s promises. They have reason to Be Strong and Courageous.

Sunday, we will consider another trust building event – the crossing of the Jordan River. God’s message to the Israelites is The Lord Will Do Amazing Things Among You!

Joshua 3:1-5 Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. 2 After three days the officers went throughout the camp, 3 giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it.” 5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.“

Amazing things indeed! The Israelites cross the Jordan River at flood stage. The narrative is recorded in vivid Hebrew storytelling style. When the feet of the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant touch the water, the Jordan divides before them and the Israelites cross over on dry ground! The events of Joshua 3-4 occur solely for the purpose of building trust in Yahweh as Israel’s Leader and Joshua as His servant. Notice how the Scripture reveals these purposes.

Joshua 3:7 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.”

Joshua 3:9-10 Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God. 10 This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites.”

Joshua 4:14 That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.

Joshua 4:24 He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.

However, the Israelites had to obey certain commands before they could participate in God’s amazing activity. (1) They had to FOLLOW GOD’s LEAD. They were to keep their eyes on the Ark of the Covenant and move when it moved. (2) They had to RESPECT GOD’s DISTANCE. They were to keep 1,000 yards distance between them and the Ark. (3) They had to CONSECRATE THEMSELVES BEFORE GOD. To consecrate yourself means to set yourself apart from sinful activity and for service to God. God can only use consecrated people.

God still wants to do amazing things among his people today. However, I believe our failure to obey one or more of these commands is, at least, a partial explanation of the why we do not see his amazing work or get to participate with him in it. I’ll say more in my lesson this morning.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

The Lord Has Surely Given

Sunday, we will continue our sermon series entitled Be Strong and Courageous. Last week we discussed the leadership transition between Moses and his protégé, Joshua. Joshua had reason for anxiety because he was required to finish the task begun by Moses. However, Yahweh encouraged him to focus on the task ahead, prepare himself and Israel, trust God’s promises, and obey everything the Lord had said.

Sunday, we will consider two of these themes. Joshua’s preparation led him to send two spies into the city of Jericho. Their report reinforced Israel’s trust in the promises of God. All of this occurred by means of a very unlikely source – a Canaanite prostitute.

Joshua 2:1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.

As Moses’ aide, Joshua was a trained general. He knew that reconnaissance was the first step before planning any battle. However, the victory against Jericho was not to be a human victory brought about by human plans. Consequently, the report of the spies brought no helpful information for the battle itself. Rather, it served to further encourage and embolden the people of God that even the enemy knew Yahweh was fighting for Israel and the inhabitants of the land trembled in fear.

All of this occurred because of Rahab, who the Bible calls a harlot. The word, harlot, could refer to a cultic prostitute, who served in the ritual fertility rights of Canaanite religion. However, it appears that Rahab used her home in her business. One might even envision close proximity to a bar. In my imagination, I see her as a “Miss Kitty” type character as depicted in the old western, Gunsmoke.

The spies, when in Jericho, first go to her establishment. With men coming and going (especially if there was a bar involved), this would seem to be a good starting place to collect information. It would also be a great way to hide in plain sight.

While there, Rahab tells them how terrified the inhabitants are. She also makes a confession of faith in Yahweh. She is considered the first Canaanite “convert.”

Joshua 2:9-11 “I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

The narrative of Rahab and the spies is told in vivid Hebrew story-telling fashion. It makes for a very intriguing story. The king learns of their presence (no doubt by some of the men frequenting her establishment). He sends a message for her to produce the men, but she lies and sends the king’s men on a “wild goose chase.” Anticipating a search, she hides the men under stalks of flax on her roof. When the “coast is clear,” she lets them down the wall on a rope through a window in her home. Though some scholars think otherwise, it appears she even negotiates her and her family’s safety as the men are dangling on a rope outside her window!

The story of Rahab and the spies functions in the text of Joshua as an encouragement for Israel that they can trust God’s promises. It is an encouragement for us as well.

Joshua 2:24 They said to Joshua, “The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey