You Were There! God’s Hand in Our Story

   Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 13 - Sunday

“You Were There!” — Joshua 24:2–13

In Joshua 24:2–13, God speaks to Israel in a striking way—by recounting their history through His actions. The main thrust of God’s message is clear: Israel’s existence, freedom, and success are entirely the result of God’s faithful initiative, not their own effort. Before Joshua asks the people to choose whom they will serve, God reminds them who has already been serving them all along.

The passage is filled with powerful “I” statements from God. He says, “I took your father Abraham… I gave him Isaac… I sent Moses and Aaron… I brought you out… I delivered you… I gave you a land for which you did not labor” (Josh. 24:3–13). Each statement emphasizes God as the primary actor in Israel’s story. He chose them, guided them, protected them, fought for them, and provided for them. The meaning is unmistakable: Israel did not stumble into blessing; they were carried into it by a faithful God. Their present security rested on God’s past faithfulness.

This reminder also establishes accountability. Because God has acted decisively and graciously on their behalf, Israel is not free to live however they please. Their obedience is not a way to earn God’s favor—it is the right response to His proven faithfulness.

This passage also speaks directly to corporate responsibility, something the modern church often struggles to grasp. God addresses Israel as a people, not merely as individuals. Their shared history means their present choices will affect the whole community. Scripture reinforces this truth elsewhere: “For just as the body is one and has many members… so it is with Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12). What one member does—whether in faithfulness or compromise—impacts the entire body.

As a church, we grow in corporate responsibility when we remember our shared testimony of God’s grace, bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2), and actively encourage one another toward faithfulness (Heb. 10:24). Unity deepens when we stop viewing faith as a private matter and begin living as a covenant community shaped by God’s collective work among us.

Prayer:
Faithful God, thank You for reminding us that You were there—working, guiding, rescuing, and providing long before we understood what You were doing. Forgive us for taking Your faithfulness for granted or living as though our choices affect only ourselves. Teach us to live with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility toward one another. Help us, as Your church, to honor You together, remembering all that You have done. Amen.

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