Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 5 - Wednesday
Free Choice
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 20:10, 15–18; Deuteronomy 13:12–18; Joshua 10:40
The concept of free choice is one of the greatest gifts God has given to humanity. In the laws of warfare outlined in Deuteronomy 20, we see that Israel was not commanded to destroy indiscriminately. When they approached cities outside the land of Canaan, they were first to offer peace (Deuteronomy 20:10). Only if the city refused this offer and chose hostility would war ensue. Even among the Canaanite nations marked for judgment, destruction came only after long patience from God and persistent rebellion against His moral law. God’s command for complete destruction in those cases was not a license for cruelty—it was a divine act of justice against a people who had long rejected His mercy and defied His authority.
In Deuteronomy 13:12–18, the same principle of moral accountability appears. If an Israelite town turned to idolatry and chose to rebel against God, it faced the same fate as the Canaanites. This showed that Israel’s privilege did not exempt them from God’s judgment. The Lord was not partial—His justice and mercy were consistent. Both nations and individuals were accountable for their choices.
Joshua 10:40 reflects this sobering reality: “Joshua conquered the whole region … he left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded.” But even here, the destruction was not arbitrary—it was limited in scope, directed only against those whose wickedness had reached its fullness and who had persistently rejected repentance. God’s justice was precise, not reckless.
For us today, the story of Israel’s wars and the Canaanites’ downfall teaches that while God respects our freedom, He also holds us responsible for how we use it. Free choice means we can either align ourselves with His purposes or resist His will. Persistent rebellion—whether through pride, injustice, or idolatry of the heart—eventually leads to spiritual ruin. God’s judgments are not sudden acts of anger; they are the natural outcomes of choices that separate us from Him, the Source of life.
Each day, we stand before the same choice set before Israel: life or death, blessing or curse (Deuteronomy 30:19). The spiritual implication is clear—our destiny is shaped by our decisions. God longs for us to choose life, to yield our will to His, and to walk in the freedom that comes through obedience and faith.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the gift of free will. Help us to use it wisely—to choose life, righteousness, and faithfulness to You. Teach us to see that every decision draws us closer to or farther from Your presence. May Your Spirit guide our hearts so that we may walk in Your ways, live under Your grace, and reflect Your character to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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