Second Chances; Redeemed for a Purpose

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 2 -  Sunday Commentary

Second Chances

When Joshua prepared Israel to enter the Promised Land, his very first step was to send out spies to Jericho (Joshua 2:1). At first glance, this may seem like a repetition of the earlier mission in Numbers 13, when twelve spies brought back a fearful report that led to Israel’s rebellion (Numbers 13:25–28, 33; 14:1–12). That decision delayed Israel’s entry into the land for forty years. Why, then, would Joshua risk making the same move?

The difference lies in the second chance God was giving His people. The first mission ended in doubt, fear, and disobedience. The second began with faith, preparation, and trust in God’s promises. This time, Israel would not fail. Joshua’s choice to send spies wasn’t a lack of faith—it was wisdom guided by faith. God was redeeming what had once been a place of failure.

We see a similar story in Peter’s life. On the night of Jesus’ arrest, Peter denied his Lord three times (John 18:16–18, 25–27). Like Israel’s rebellion, it was a moment of fear and failure. Yet after the resurrection, Jesus gave Peter another chance. By the Sea of Galilee, He asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” and restored him to leadership (John 21:15–19).

The parallel is striking: just as Israel was given a second chance to enter the Promised Land, Peter was given a second chance to follow Christ. Both stories remind us that God does not discard His people when they stumble. Instead, He restores, renews, and redirects them toward His purposes.

In the same way, as Christians, we are called to extend grace to others. When someone fails, we can either condemn them or offer them a path to restoration. If God gives second chances, shouldn’t we?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the second chances You have given us through Your mercy and grace. Help us to learn from our failures and walk forward in faith. Teach us to extend the same grace to others that You have shown to us, so that Your love may be reflected in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More: Surprised by Grace - Sabbath School Lesson 2 - The Lessons of Faith from Joshua

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