God is in the Redemption Business

John Osborne

I was doing my Bible reading the other day and it led me to Joshua chapters 9 and 10. The story is truly fascinating. Let me give you a little background. The nation of Israel, led by Joshua at the time, has been given the Promised Land by God and told to completely conquer nations and people groups that occupy the land. The concern is that the people of the land, if allowed to occupy the same area as the Israelites, will over time entice the Israelites away from God.

Joshua and the Israelites have had tremendous success, minus the hiccup at Ai. Their reputation, and the reputation of God has spread. Though every nation has tried to withstand the Israelites without success, the Gibeonites decide to trick the leaders of Israel into a peace treaty. They pack supplies that are worn out and bread that is moldy and then mention that they have made a long journey to make peace with them. Sadly the Israelites, despite all of their success, “did not inquire of the Lord” verse 14 says in regards to any of it.

Verse 14 has always jumped out at me, but it’s the subsequent unfolding of events that caught my eye this time. Yes, we should inquire of the Lord in decision making, even in ones that appear to be obvious. However, when we make mistakes and even fail to involve God in every aspect of our lives, He can still redeem us and the predicaments we may find ourselves in.

In Joshua 10, five kings join forces to take on Gibeon. They didn’t like the fact that Gibeon had made a peace treaty with Israel and they were so upset that they were willing to go to war over it. True to his word Joshua sends an army to protect Gibeon, but it’s what God does that’s amazing. God was willing to help fight a war that wasn’t Joshua’s to fight. In verse 10, the armies are thrown into confusion. In verse 11, “the Lord hurled large hailstones down… and more of them were killed from the hail than were killed by the swords.” And it didn’t stop there. The sun would stand still so that the armies of Israel could finish the job. It is truly amazing!

I am encouraged by this story because it reminds me of God’s love both for the Gibeonites and for Israel. The Gibeonites are saved though they resorted to trickery. The Israelites are helped by God to get out of a jam of their own making. How many times do I find myself in a situation caused by my own foolishness and need help from God? Far too many! I am so thankful that God doesn’t just write me off.