Joshua 2: 1-24
Do you know who’s really on your side? Do you truly know who your friends are? Every military soldier is taught to know their enemy. Have you ever wondered why knowing your enemy is important? Have you ever tried to fight against an enemy who you dont know anything about? You dont know his strengths; you dont know his weaknesses; you dont know how he thinks, what he knows, where he’s been, where he’s going, or even how he will get there. The more you know about your enemy, the better things will be. Though God was with Joshua in all his endeavors, Joshua still had to use wisdom for the task God had just given him. Joshua in all his endeavors, Joshua still had to use wisdom for the task God had just given him. Joshua and the Israelites were preparing to enter into the land God promised. The land was now occupied by the Canaanites, Israel’s enemy.
Chapter 2 begins with Joshua sending two spies into the land to gather information needed for Joshua’s military campaign. They were to collect information to paint a picture for Joshua. This information would answer Joshua’s questions. What was the region and the people like? Where were their forces arrayed in the land? What was the mindset of the people? Questions like these were keys to success, especially when God is in the midst. How many of you know that there are three truths when God is on our side?
1) Know that when God is on our side, others recognize it. (Read Joshua 2:1-11). Chapter 2 begins as Joshua sends out spies to Canaan. Upon arriving, these spies come to the house of the harlot, Rahab. Their presence, however, wasnt as secretive as they thought for word is brought to the Jericho king concerning their location. Do you think the king looked upon tehir presence in the land positively or did he see them as a threat to his well being? Alerted of their presence and aware of their history, the king sends out his forces to seize these men, but much to their dismay, they arrive at the house of Rahab only to find these men had fled the scene or so they thought. They leave to pursue their enemy, not knowing they were hidden away in the house. Now, Rahab, who knew of Israel’s reputation seeks her survival. She confesses to them all she’s heard and knows. She tells them the people’s mindset. She acknowledges that she knows the power of God is the source of Israels success and strength, and pleads for their mercy upon their return. Do you notice two reactions the spies experience? The majority of the people were threatened by their presence, but a remnant (Rahab) embraces them.
2) When God is on our side, Hope replaces Fear. (Read Joshua 2:12-21). In verse 12, Rahab asks for mercy and loving kindness from them when they return to take the city. They agree to her request with three conditions: FIrst, she must hang a red cord form the window of her house to mark her location. Second, only her family located inside her house would be spared and finally, all her relatives would be sworn to secrecy. In two cases, verse 14 and verse 18, the spies show hope in their very words when they use the word “when” to show their confidence of their return. At no time do they fear what is to come. They know God is on their side and will deliver all He promised. It’s not “if”, but “when”. The people of this city are not as confident. In fact, they fear the events to come and are terrified for they know that God is not on their side, but on the side of Israel. For the spies and Rahab, hope replaced fear, knowing that God is on their side.
3) When God is on our side, victory is ours. (Read Joshua 2: 22-23) There is a unaminous decision by both spies that, surely the Lord had given the land into Israel’s hands. Surely they had victory because the Lord was on their side as they prepared to build a bridge to victory out of their faith. Romans 8:31 says, “if God is for us, who can be against us” Nothing! They had victory.
Tags: Canaanites, Faith, Fear, God, Harlot, Hope, Israel, Jericho, Joshua, Joshua 2, King, Military, promised land, Rahab, Romans, soldiers, spies, strengths, Victory, Weaknesses
