Series LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA with Pastor Mark Finley

Lesson 2.Surprised by Grace
God Often Works Through the Unexpected

In this lesson, we meet people who, at first glance, do not seem to belong to God’s people—Rahab, a pagan prostitute, and the cunning Gibeonites. Yet they experience grace and salvation because they recognize God’s power and turn to Him. Their stories challenge our assumptions about who is “worthy” to belong to God’s people. At the same time, they show that God’s mercy is greater than origin, past, or deceit. These narratives remind us that faith, courage, and repentance can flourish in the most surprising places—when God’s grace is at work.

Content:
2.1 Second Chance
God’s Grace in Places of Former Failure

Despite the tragic background in Shittim, Joshua begins his mission right there—at a place once marked by disobedience. Unlike the generation in Numbers 13, Joshua now trusts in God’s guidance and sends out two, not twelve, spies. This deliberate decision shows that trust can grow—even after failure. The parallel to Peter is striking: like Israel, he is given another opportunity to be faithful, though he once failed. God is the God of second chances—not because we deserve them, but because His grace is greater than our failure. This biblical truth should shape our own behavior: not holding people captive to their past mistakes, but opening paths toward restoration.

2.2 Value in Unexpected Places
Faith Blossoms Even in a Dark Environment

Rahab was a woman of questionable reputation in a profoundly godless society—yet she recognized who the true God is. Her courageous act of protecting the spies expressed a growing faith, not moral perfection. Although her lie is not justified, Scripture praises her faith and her decision to join God’s people. On the roof of her house, Rahab declared that the Lord is God over heaven and earth—a powerful confession from an unexpected mouth. Her story shows that God’s grace finds faith where it is least expected. It reminds us that true loyalty to God often begins with courageous choices that go against the cultural current.

2.3 New Allegiance
A Red Cord That Brings Salvation

Rahab’s plea for protection for herself and her family strongly recalls the Passover in Egypt, when blood on the doorposts was the sign of salvation. Likewise, the red cord in her window becomes the sign of deliverance during Jericho’s destruction. Rahab shows not only faith but covenantal loyalty (chesed)—a deep trust in the God of Israel, to whom she freely aligns herself. Although as a Canaanite she was under the ban, by faith she became part of God’s people. As with Passover, faith and obedience belong together—the saving covenant demands a visible response. The gospel in this story is clear: salvation comes by grace but becomes visible through lived faith.

2.4 Conflicting Values
When Grace and Truth Meet

The stories of Rahab and the Gibeonites present two responses to God’s power—both seek salvation, but in different ways. While Rahab openly confesses her faith in the God of Israel, the Gibeonites choose deception. Yet their goal is similar: they want to live, and they acknowledge God’s work. Still, a moral tension remains: the Israelites make a decision without consulting God, which later leads to ethical conflict. This shows that even well-intentioned choices can be problematic when made apart from divine guidance. The story warns us to seek God’s will first—even in complex situations—because not every “clever” solution is a faithful one.

2.5 Surprising Grace
An Oath That Brings Life Instead of Death

Joshua responds to the Gibeonites’ deception not with revenge but with a balanced combination of justice and mercy. Though the covenant was made through deceit, Israel keeps the oath—out of respect for the name of God in which it was sworn. Instead of destroying the Gibeonites, Joshua appoints them as servants in the sanctuary, giving them a place in Israel’s worship. This shift from judgment to grace shows that God honors genuine submission more than background or past. The story reminds us that God’s grace often takes surprising paths—and even deceit, when accompanied by reverence and repentance, can lead to blessing. Joshua’s handling of the Gibeonites teaches us that true loyalty to God also means wisely combining forgiveness with responsibility.

2.6 Summary
When Faith Grows Where You Least Expect It

Lesson 2 shows that God’s grace can work even in places marked by failure, deceit, or sin. Rahab and the Gibeonites come from nations under God’s judgment, yet through faith and the decision to submit to Him, they find inclusion among His people. These stories demonstrate that true loyalty to God is not about perfection but about a deliberate turning toward Him. Joshua’s dealings with these people combine justice with mercy and reveal that God’s covenant is open even to outsiders. The message is clear: God’s grace surprises—it finds people where we least expect it and gives them a place in His plan. In doing so, our own hearts are challenged to remain open to God’s work beyond our expectations.

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