Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 6 - Friday
A Witness to God’s Power
Read: Joshua 7:6–9
Israel had just experienced a powerful victory at Jericho, yet moments later they faced a humiliating defeat at Ai. Joshua, overwhelmed with grief and confusion, fell before the Lord. His prayer in Joshua 7:9 reveals a profound theological truth: when God’s people stumble, the world notices. Joshua’s concern was not only Israel’s loss but God’s reputation among the nations—“What will You do for Your great name?”
This is a powerful reminder: believers are God’s witnesses. Our obedience displays His power; our sin and compromise can distort His character before those watching us. When we claim to be followers of Christ yet live in contradiction to His ways, we give the world a false picture of who He is.
Sin is not only personal—it becomes communal in its consequences. Israel’s defeat affected the entire nation. In the same way, when we compromise, we don’t just hurt ourselves; our witness to God’s holiness, grace, and power becomes clouded. The world may conclude that God is weak—or worse, irrelevant—because His people live powerless and divided lives.
This theme echoes in Deuteronomy 4:5–9. Moses reminded Israel that their obedience to God’s statutes would be a testimony to surrounding nations:
“Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
The keeping of God’s word was not merely for personal blessing but for a public demonstration of His wisdom and righteousness. Their faithfulness would cause the world to see that their God was near, powerful, and just.
Just as Israel was called to be a light among the nations, so believers today are called to reflect Christ in a world desperate for truth. When we walk in humility, obedience, and grace, God’s presence shines through our lives. Our victories point to His power, and even when we stumble—as Israel did—our repentance and restoration can still witness to His mercy and faithfulness.
Let us live in such a way that the world cannot help but see God’s greatness through us—not because we are perfect, but because we belong to the One who is.
Prayer
Father, thank You for calling us to be Your people and for the privilege of representing You to the world. Forgive us for the times we fall short and damage our witness. Strengthen us to walk in obedience, humility, and grace so that Your name may be honored. Let our lives reflect Your power, Your wisdom, and Your love, so that those around us may be drawn to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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