Courageous Choices Part 3Sample

BE OBEDIENT & COMPASSIONATE

God’s instruction to Moses and Joshua in Deuteronomy was to completely destroy the Canaanites. God doesn’t want the surrounding idolaters to influence the Israelites so He commands that all should be destroyed. Joshua appropriately altered God’s instructions by honoring the spies’ oath. Remember, back in Joshua chapter 2 the men that Joshua sent to spy out Jericho were almost captured. That is, until Rahab the Canaanite prostitute saved them by hiding them in her house. Rahab made a pretty courageous choice! She put her life on the line for the sake of the spies and Israel. Not only that, but she gave a unique profession of faith in 2:11,

And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.

The reward for her courage and faith was to become the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:21-22; Matthew 1:5-6). A foreign prostitute was a direct ancestor of Jesus! Joshua didn’t disobey God here. He altered the command based on Rahab’s faith. In other words, Joshua honored the oath of the spies and was compassionate to Rahab and her family.

Ask Yourself:

-How has God shown compassion, love, and grace to me?

-What does it say about God that Rahab would be included in Jesus’ family tree?

Pause to Pray: God, help me to obey your word and follow your leading. Help me to be compassionate to those who are seeking after you but may not have a relationship with you yet. Open my eyes that I might see all people as you see them…

Take a Next Step:

-Who needs your compassion today? Be prepared with a kind word or a helpful hand.