Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 6:12-25. Every conquest begins with a first battle. Israel's first battle would happen at Jericho, a formidable city defended by strong walls. A traditional army would seek siege weapons to gradually weaken those walls. God told Joshua to march around the city for seven days without words, with the priests blowing rams' horns. God assured them that the walls would fall when the people shouted on the seventh day. The people followed Joshua's instructions. They did their part and God did His part. The walls fell down and they took the city. God's instructions brought justice to the irredeemable wicked ways of a Godless culture, dooming them to destruction. Yet in the midst of justice, God showed a promised mercy to Rahab and all of her family that entered the house of salvation marked by the crimson ribbon. Even today, we know that God judges and punishes unrepentant sinners, while offering mercy to the humble who turn from sin and place their faith and hope in God like Rahab did.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 3:14-4:9. God had rescued the Israelites from Egypt and had sustained them 40 years through the wilderness journey. Now Joshua and the Israelites stood at the banks of the Jordan river with many a battle ahead. How could they be assured that God would be with this new generation? God stopped the flow of the Jordan River and allowed easy passage through the flooded riverbank, parallel to how He provided safe passage through the Red Sea under Moses. The same God was with Joshua. Not only would Israel learn God's trustworthiness, but they would assemble 12 large stones to commemorate God's faithfulness to Israel throughout all generations.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 2:4-21. A surprising heroine of faith emerges from our story. Her occupation is one of ill repute. Her nationality is non-Jewish. Her loyalty is seemingly misplaced. Yet Rahab is convinced that only the God of the Hebrews brings victory. Her decision to give total allegiance to the Lord God and His servants changes more than the prospects of the looming battle. Her decision to trust in God while facing destruction leads to the salvation of her entire family and presents a vivid picture of the eternal salvation found though faith in Jesus Christ.