Read: Joshua 6:20-25, Genesis 15:13-16
It seems that one of the most difficult things for non-Christians to understand or accept is God's judgment on the people of Canaan. Time and time again the question is raised: how could God condone or even command the wholesale destruction of so many peoples and cultures? God's judgment on the people of Canaan confronts both Christians and non-Christians with how truly horrible our sin is and the truth of God's righteous judgment.
Even before the people of Israel arrive in the promised land there are breadcrumbs scattered throughout history that point to God's judgment and grace shown in Canaan. One such breadcrumb is God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15. In a totally outrageous and unprecedented move God binds Himself to Abraham in a covenant. God willingly condescends Himself to deal with Abraham and bring a people to Himself. Amongst other things, God explains that His people will be taken slaves in Egypt for 400 years and that after a time they will return to the land of Canaan. Notice especially the second part of verse 16: "for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."
Witness Moment
It's hard for people to accept salvation if they don't know what they are being saved from. Don't shy away from proclaiming God's judgment...but don't forget His mercy either.
This verse sheds great light on the conquest of Canaan hundreds of years later. This was no random act of violence commanded by God merely to get the land for His own people. This was an act of divine judgment for the sins of the people of Canaan including idol worship, child sacrifice and other immoralities. Implicit in this verse is God's mercy and long suffering nature. God could have chosen to judge the people of Canaan for their sins immediately, but instead chooses to patiently allow them hundreds of years in the land.
We see these words actually carried out in the book of Joshua. God's people sweep through the land carrying out God's judgment. The defeat of Jericho is one example of this. If you are unfamiliar with the story read chapters 2-7 for some background. As commanded by God the people of Israel have waged a very unusual form of warfare against the people of Jericho by marching around the walls for days. On the final day they give a loud shout and God breaks down the walls of the city. God's people pour into Jericho and carry out God's judgment, devoting each and every living thing within the city to the sword. Does God judge people for their sin? Definitely.
Discussion Questions for families and groups
God's judgment on the people of Canaan is a difficult thing for non-Christians to understand. It is always good to be able to give an answer, even if it isn't totally satisfactory to them.
- How would you go about trying to explain God's judgment?
- How do we move to the Gospel from a discussion about God's judgment on the people of Canaan?
Still, even here we see God's mercy alongside His judgment. God provides a way of salvation for Rahab and her family who had helped His people (see Chapter 2) and chosen to put her faith in God. Even in this act of divine judgment God shows mercy to His people.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
- Praise God for His mercy and His patience. Praise Him that He has shown His mercy and love towards us and that even while we were in rebellion and sin He rescued us. Pray that He would help you to share this good news with others today.
- Pray for those Christians around the world who are despised, imprisoned, abused and physically attacked for their faith in Christ. Pray that God would strengthen them and enable them to endure. Pray that they would be bold in sharing the good news of Christ with as many as possible. Pray that their lives would be a powerful testimony to the gospel.
No comments:
Post a Comment