God, Our Judge and Our Savior

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 5 -  Friday Further Thought

 

God, Our Judge and Our Savior

When we hear the word judge, our minds often jump to courtrooms, verdicts, and sentences. In Scripture, however, God’s role as Judge is deeply tied to His character of justice, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. The Bible presents God not only as the Judge of the whole universe, but also as the personal Judge of His people—One who sees, knows, discerns, and ultimately works for our redemption.

In Joshua 7 and 8, Israel faced two very different outcomes under the judgment of God. In chapter 7, Achan’s hidden sin brought defeat, fear, and loss to the entire community. God exposed the sin not because He delighted in punishment, but because concealed rebellion corrodes the heart and threatens the covenant relationship. Sin brings judgment—but that judgment is ultimately meant to restore holiness and faithfulness among God’s people.

Then, in chapter 8, after repentance and cleansing, God led Israel to victory over Ai. The same God who judged sin also provided forgiveness, renewed strength, and blessing. His judgment is not merely punitive—it is corrective and restorative. This shows us that God’s role as Judge isn’t separate from His role as Savior; it is a necessary part of it. Without judgment, there can be no justice. Without justice, there can be no true redemption.

This truth is foundational to the gospel. The good news isn’t simply that God loves us—it’s that the God who rightly judges sin also provides the way for sinners to be forgiven. At the cross, Christ bore the judgment we deserved so that we might receive the righteousness we could never earn. The Judge took the judgment upon Himself. Our salvation is secure not because our sins are ignored, but because they were paid for.

God’s judgment assures us that evil will not triumph, that hidden things will be revealed, and that righteousness will ultimately prevail. But it also assures us of grace—that through repentance, like Israel after Ai, we can be restored, renewed, and led into victory.

Reflection Questions

• How does knowing that God sees everything—both the hidden sin and the quiet faithfulness—shape the way you live?

• Where do you need to seek God’s cleansing so you can walk in restored fellowship and victory?

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We praise You as the righteous Judge of all the earth and as our personal Judge who sees and knows us completely. Thank You that Your judgment is not meant to destroy us but to draw us back to Your holiness and love. Help us to live in reverent awe of You, walking in humility, repentance, and faith. Thank You for Jesus, who took our judgment so we might receive Your grace. Cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, and lead us in the path of obedience and victory.

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