3 - Memorials of Grace | Lessons of Faith from Joshua

What is the problem in the human mind, and how does it affect trust and faith? We look at what trust and faith mean and how our needs determine our spirit.

Rahab trusted God, hid the messengers, and thus demonstrated her faith. In Joshua 9, we read about a similar situation. We see how people recognize facts, but instead of trusting God, they trust in people. So they gather together and think that the more of them there are, the stronger they will be to fight against the approaching people. They trust in people and themselves and not in God, who is behind the obvious facts. Therefore, they believe they can defend themselves. And we know that they failed.

When we think, “They are only human,” instead of recognizing who is really behind them (God), we get into trouble. The people of Gibeon recognize the facts, trust in God, and believe that they would lose in battle. So they think of a ruse and consider making a covenant with the people. We look at what happens next and how God deals with covenants.

Our salvation also requires trust and faith. Why do Joshua and the elders act the way they do? They are born again, they have the Holy Spirit, but their hearts are imperfect and deceive them, which is why they trust in people and make covenants with them. What else is illustrated by the crossing of the Jordan, when they march through it with dry feet, and what all these themes mean in depth, is covered in the third part of the series “Teachings of Faith from Joshua.”