Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 26
Day 26 - Monday, July 29
Read Joshua 2
Highlight
The Book of Joshua picks up after the Israelites have wandered in the wilderness for 40 years waiting for God to lead them into the land he promised when they escaped Egypt. Moses has just died and Joshua has been told by God that He is going to use Joshua to fulfill the promises he made to the people through Moses. It’s both an exciting and terrifying time for the Israelites. Joshua, like Moses, decides to send spies to Canaan to see what they’re up against in Jericho. Apparently their arrival does not go unnoticed; we see right away that they’ve been found out and their lives are on the line.
We don’t know how the spies end up at the home of Rahab, a prostitute. It would not have been uncommon for travelers to end up in the home of a woman of disrepute, so they might have hoped they would simply fly under the radar. Perhaps God led them there, though the text doesn’t say that explicitly. However, based on the unfolding of the events, we can clearly see God’s hand at work. The reputation of the Israelites and their God have preceded them and struck fear in the hearts of the Canaanites, including Rahab. And it’s clear from Rahab’s response that the Holy Spirit has softened her heart and she has believed what she’s heard and is ready to put her trust, and indeed her life and the lives of her family, in the hands of the God of Israel - an incredible act of faith.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Joshua 2
Highlight
The Book of Joshua picks up after the Israelites have wandered in the wilderness for 40 years waiting for God to lead them into the land he promised when they escaped Egypt. Moses has just died and Joshua has been told by God that He is going to use Joshua to fulfill the promises he made to the people through Moses. It’s both an exciting and terrifying time for the Israelites. Joshua, like Moses, decides to send spies to Canaan to see what they’re up against in Jericho. Apparently their arrival does not go unnoticed; we see right away that they’ve been found out and their lives are on the line.
We don’t know how the spies end up at the home of Rahab, a prostitute. It would not have been uncommon for travelers to end up in the home of a woman of disrepute, so they might have hoped they would simply fly under the radar. Perhaps God led them there, though the text doesn’t say that explicitly. However, based on the unfolding of the events, we can clearly see God’s hand at work. The reputation of the Israelites and their God have preceded them and struck fear in the hearts of the Canaanites, including Rahab. And it’s clear from Rahab’s response that the Holy Spirit has softened her heart and she has believed what she’s heard and is ready to put her trust, and indeed her life and the lives of her family, in the hands of the God of Israel - an incredible act of faith.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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