Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 11 - Tuesday
Haunted by the Past
Scripture Focus: Joshua 22:13–15; Numbers 25
“And when the other children of Israel heard of it, the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh to go to war against them… And the children of Israel sent to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and with him ten princes of the tribes of Israel, one prince of a tribe: And they came to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh… and they accused the children of Reuben and the children of Gad.” (Joshua 22:13–15, KJV)
Remembering the Past
The Israelites’ reaction to the altar built by the Transjordanian tribes is deeply rooted in their collective memory of past sins. Numbers 25 recounts how Israel sinned grievously through idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor. That incident led to God’s judgment, and Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, zealously executed God’s judgment, stopping a plague that had already claimed thousands. Similarly, Achan’s sin in Joshua 7, in taking forbidden spoils at Jericho, had brought national consequences, bringing defeat and mourning to Israel.
Because of these memories, the Israelites are understandably vigilant and cautious. The appointment of Phinehas to head the delegation in Joshua 22 is no accident. He represents godly zeal, discernment, and a direct connection to God’s holiness. The leaders wanted someone whose integrity and courage would ensure that any possible rebellion or idolatry could be confronted wisely and decisively. The past sins of Achan and the Baal Peor incident haunted them, and they feared that unchecked disobedience might invite the wrath of God upon the entire nation once again.
How the Past Shapes Us
Like the Israelites, we often carry the weight of past experiences. Past betrayals, failures, or the consequences of sin—our own or others’—can haunt us. They shape our expectations, fears, and responses to current situations. In the same way the Israelites feared the potential consequences of rebellion, we can become overly cautious, suspicious, or judgmental in dealing with others, projecting the pain of the past onto the present.
Yet God’s grace invites us to respond differently. While memory can teach, grace allows us to act in faith rather than fear. Through Christ, we are not bound by the failures of our history. His example shows us a path of mercy, understanding, and reconciliation.
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Jesus showed grace in dealing with sinners despite their pasts. Consider the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11). The crowd was haunted by her past, ready to condemn, yet Jesus reminded them of God’s mercy and redirected their hearts toward repentance, not punishment.
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In Luke 5:27–32, Jesus called Levi, a tax collector despised for his past, to follow Him. He did not allow past sins to define future potential.
Grace allows us to love our neighbors without letting past mistakes—our own or theirs—control our actions. God’s Spirit enables discernment and humility: we can remain cautious without being judgmental, wise without being harsh, and faithful without being fearful.
Reflection
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Are there past hurts or fears that make you overly critical of others?
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How can God’s grace help you respond with love instead of suspicion or condemnation?
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Are there “Phinehas moments” in your life where God calls you to act with courage but also with compassion?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your patience with us when our past mistakes haunt us. Forgive us for letting fear, anger, or bitterness from past experiences shape how we treat others today. Teach us to lean on Your grace, to see others as You see them, and to act with love, mercy, and wisdom. Help us to remember that Your Spirit empowers us to break free from the chains of our past, so that we may foster unity and righteousness in our relationships. Guide our hearts, Lord, to respond with understanding, not suspicion, and to seek Your truth above all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More: Living in the Land- Sabbath School Lesson 11 - The Lessons of Faith from Joshua
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