March 18, 2020: SOAP #3758:  Joshua 1-2; Psalm 37; 1Corinthians 3

Scripture:  Joshua (NIV) 2:9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts sank and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

Observation:  The presence of the Israelite spies had become known, but Rahab took them into her house and hid them.  Why would she do such a thing?  Because she was afraid of what was going to happen to Jericho.  For forty years the people of Canaan had feared Israel and Israel’s God.  It was no secret.  They had heard about God bringing the plagues to Egypt and drying up the Red Sea so the Israelites could cross on dry ground.  For forty years it had been a subject of many conversations.  For forty years they heard travelers bringing news of this large band of people being led by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire in the night.  Their God was a God to be feared!  The Canaanites had no defense against such a God!!

Application:   What God has done for me is not meant to be a secret.  The more people know about the mighty works of God in my life, the more they will be open to discovering what He will do for them.   God can use my testimony to soften a heart hardened to the good news of Jesus.  God can use my testimony to break down walls built to keep Him out.   As Russ Hamblin wrote: “It is no secret what God can do.  What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you.  With army wide open, He’ll pardon you.  It is no secret what God can do.”  (https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/it-is-no-secret/)

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, use my testimony of what you have done for me to draw others to you.  What you have done for me, you will do for others! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!