Scott Allen leads todays lesson from Joshua 24:14-27. Except for one stark defeat at Ai due to the unfaithfulness of Achan, Joshua has led Israel to victory over the land of Canaan. The promised land is now their inheritance and homeland. But will they be able to keep it? It depends on a vital decision: whether to return to the false ideas of the past, the failed ideas of the people they have just conquered, or to continue to follow the Lord God alone. God has led them out of slavery and safely through the wilderness. But can a sinful people remain true to a holy God? Joshua holds the people accountable to their promise to follow the Lord God wholeheartedly and warns them to be afraid of what will happen if future generations fail to follow God's commands. For as long as he lived, Joshua inspired the people by his firm decision to follow God and the faithful example he left behind. This was a golden age, but dark times were just ahead.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 14:1-15. Many battles have been won. It is time to divide the promised land into tribal inheritances. Israel's leaders set a positive example by following Moses' prior instructions and fairly assigning large and small allotments to tribes. Caleb, one of two remaining from the original spies sent to scout the promised land by Moses, has been patiently waiting his turn. He approaches Joshua at Gilgal. Not only is Caleb ready to claim what God promised through Moses, but even at 85 years old he retains the physical vigor to fight for it. With a vibrant faith, Caleb reminds believers that, when necessary, we should be ready to contend for what God has promised us.

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.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 1:1-11, 16-18. Moses, Israel's beloved leader, has died. Joshua steps in to be the new leader. What huge shoes to fill! After all the travails of 40 years in the wilderness, what's next for the Israelites? Will they finally possess the promised land? Yes, God said, and Joshua would be the one to lead them to victory. But receiving the promised victory was a conditional promise. Joshua needed to carefully follow God's commands with faith, or this generation might also miss out on the promised land. While God offers abundant mercy, and while all men stand in need of forgiveness (even Moses!), the full blessings of success are reserved for the obedient and faithful.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 27:27-31,45-54. Betrayed by Judas at night into the hands of the Jewish religious leaders, Jesus was now in the custody of Pilate's Roman soldiers awaiting crucifixion. How is it that Jesus willingly endured mistreatment and deadly torture on the darkest of all days? And how did the manner of Jesus' death provide powerful signs of eternal hope for all who believe?

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 26:17-30. Jesus came as the ultimate Passover lamb. His final Passover meal with the disciples prior to the crucifixion approached. How would they prepare for this special meal? How would prophecy be fulfilled through betrayal? What observance would Jesus provide so that His Messianic purpose might be proclaimed throughout the generations? Matthew provides the answers to all of these questions just before Jesus is handed over to His enemies as part of God's redemptive plan.