Many people find the book of Joshua disturbing because of its focus on conquest and war. The concern is what this says about God. As I have said, this was to be a one-off act of judgement to be executed by the Israelites. The reasons for this were discussed in a previous edition of Thrive and I will revisit this further on. But note in Joshua 2 how mercy trumps judgement. God had said to Abram that those who bless his people will be blessed (Genesis 12:3) and here in chapter 2 we see an unworthy prostitute being spared from the conquest. There is no hesitation to answer Rahab’s request to be spared from the destruction that would soon follow. Moreover, in addition to this she is included amongst God’s people and even becomes part of the Messianic line (Matthew 1:5). She is also listed in Hebrews as a hero of the faith! (Hebrews 11:31; see also James 2:25.) God is a God of mercy. If things come to judgement at any point it is only because it is a necessary evil – far from an expression of the goal toward which the heart of God is inclined. Mercy always triumphs over judgement. We see this here in the midst of one of the darkest periods of judgement recorded in the Bible. It is a key reminder that God never turns away someone who seeks him, no matter how unworthy they may be.
Thank God for his mercy upon you.
Read Joshua 2
