Sabbath: Surprised by Grace
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 4th of October 2025
Image © Pacific Press
Read for This Week’s Study: Joshua 2:1-21, Numbers 14:1-12, Hebrews 11:31, Exodus 12:13, Joshua 9:1-27, Nehemiah 7:25.
Memory Text: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:31, NKJV).
Why did I do this again?” Perhaps we all have uttered these words. After all, not only history repeats itself but so does humanity in general and we ourselves in particular. How often we repeat the same mistakes!
Israel has a second chance of entering the Promised Land, and Joshua takes this mission seriously. The first step is to have a clear understanding of what Joshua and the Israelites face. Joshua sends out two spies to bring him valuable information about the land: its defense system, military preparedness, water supplies, and the attitude of the population in the face of an invading force.
One would think that God’s promise of giving the land to the Israelites did not require any effort from them. Yet, the assurance of divine support does not override human responsibility. Israel stands at the border of Canaan for a second time. Expectations run high, but the last time Israel was at the border and had the same task, it resulted in an abysmal failure.
This week, we will explore two of the most fascinating stories of the book of Joshua and discover their relevance to our faith today. God’s grace has infinite possibilities to surprise us.
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 11.
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"God’s grace has infinite possibilities to surprise us”
The above statement by the lesson writer captures the scope of God’s grace. God’s race is truly “strange” and “fascinating” to give unimaginable surprises. In the City of Jericho there many people, but God directed the two spies to a particular house of a particular prostitute. This was not an accident but divinely orchestrated human event to achieve a higher purpose. God was simply seeking to display His “strange” grace to a particular sinner. The grace of God seeks each sinner in a very unique and surprising way. Ellen. G. White had the following to say regarding the infinite possibilities of the grace of God.
“Grace is an attribute of God exercised toward undeserving human beings. We did not seek for it, but it was sent in search of us.” (The Faith I Live By, p. 94)
The two spies were not directed to the house of a king, a warrior or a priest, but to a prostitute for protection. A prostitute was ultimately integrated to the covenant community and the messianic lineage. The scope of the grace of God is full of sweet surprises. It bends so low to embrace the unlikely individuals like Ruth the Moabite, the Samaritan woman, or Mary Magdalene. Even so low to embrace me and you.
“The theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the redeemed through the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now? … The infinite grace of Christ is the true treasure.”- Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 128
God’s infinite grace is sufficient for every sinner.(2 Corinthians 12:9)
Most people believe Grace is undeserved favor. If that is the case how do we grow in undeserved favor? Why and how did Christ grow in undeserved favor? He didn’t deserve it?
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour [Grace] with God and man.” (Luke 2:52 AV)
Grace is the power of God that enables us to obey! True we have never done anything to deserve it but we desperately need it! How do we apply that to the fact Christ grew in favor (grace) with God and man?
“By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:” (Romans 1:5 AV)
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour [Grace] with God and man.” (Luke 2:52 AV)
The above text is fundamentally referring to Jesus in His capacity as one who was born a human being.As a human being, he needed intellectual, physical and spiritual growth under the guidance of God's grace.The more he matured in these aspects, the more he depended on His Father and the more his relationship grew with God the Father.Jesus did not grow in grace because He was sinless(Hebrews 4:15).As a human being he experienced the grace of God in an increasing measure. The Bible tells us that as human beings we need to grow in grace.
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”(2 Peter 3:18).
Well said, Omwenga:
To clarify, I believe you meant to say that Jesus "grew in grace" does not indicate that Jesus was growing from a state of sinfulness into sinlessness.
Some texts resonate deeply, echoing in our minds and stirring our hearts with encouragement and excitement. This verse is one such example:
(Joshua 2:11).
Why is this so impactful? It reveals a lot about several things: faith and witnessing, God's marvelous grace, and the limitless love of God.
Told from the mouth of a condemned character (especially from the perspective of our modern times), it's a powerful declaration, almost like that of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:40-43) or the centurion at the cross (Mark 15:39), but from the mouth of Rahab. What excites me is that this testimony comes from Rahab, the harlot, who praises God and appreciates His might, rule over heaven and earth and His abundant gracious love.
This week, God's grace is looking at you - the often-overlooked, and perhaps you're feeling like you're one of "them". Something beautiful this way comes, and it's going to bless us all.
Keep reading!
Good thoughts Stanley and Omwenga. God bless.
Joshua despite the assurance of victory din't just stop toiling and struggling, or even chill, he took the responsibility given to him. When there is no human power adequate to the need God intervenes and may even work without us, and in some way He will help us. But ordinarily we must do our part like Joshua who meticulously sends spies to find out more information about Canaan while asking God to work in and through him, God in turn blessed his faithful effort and obedience. Although God promised Israel the land (Joshua 1:2–5), Joshua still had to rise up with courage and lead the people forward. At Jericho, for instance, Israel was not told to sit idle and wait for a miracle, but to march around the city in obedience for seven days before God brought the walls down (Joshua 6:1–20). The victory was God’s, yet it required the people’s effort, trust, and perseverance, showing that faith and action must walk hand in hand.
Similarly, at Ai, God assured Joshua of triumph, yet Joshua still had to organize an ambush and lead his men in battle with wisdom and strength (Joshua 8:1–26). The Lord’s power was present, but His blessing flowed through Joshua’s planning, obedience, and courage. J.R. Miller’s teaching that prayer should not become an excuse for inaction; rather, it must propel us to fulfill our responsibilities with diligence. Joshua’s prayers were matched by his labor, so our prayers today must lead us to act in faith, breaking off sinful habits, working toward wisdom, and serving others practically. True faith, as James reminds us, is not mere words but deeds: “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17).
The lesson speaks about second chances. We must understand that God is a God of second, third, fourth etc chances.
As long as we are will to surrender and recommit our lives to Him, He is there to welcome us back just like in the story of the prodigal son.
He is waiting for you, wont you return to Him??
After 40 years of wandering, Israel once again stood at the border of Canaan. Their first attempt ended in failure because of fear and unbelief (Numbers 13–14). In mercy, God gave them another chance. Under Joshua’s leadership, they acted with faith and responsibility by sending two spies (Joshua 2:1).
This teaches us that God is a God of second chances. But His promises do not cancel human effort—faith must be combined with action.
> “God will not do for man that which man can do for himself.” — Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 290
We too are given second chances in life. The question is—will we trust Him this time and move forward in obedience?
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised).” — Hebrews 10:23