March 16 Joshua 5-9 & 1 Peter 4:1-11

God will not let you down. He will do what he says he will do. So begins the conquest of Canaan. The fall of Jericho shows us that it was at the hand of God that Jericho’s walls collapsed. Rehab and family are spared, but all others are killed. The idea that God would sanction such killing is not about the historical record, but about following the ways of the God of Israel. No room for pagans or their religious practices nor the possible temptations that would come from allowing the people to live. Rehab believed in the God of Israel she and those she loved were spared. Believe, remain close to God, and you will live. You will live the life that God created you to have in this world.

1 Peter 4:8-10, “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” God is love as John tells us. By our willingness to live the love of God, God who is love removes our sin. Love one another.