Divine Purpose: Fighting for God’s Justice and Covenant Fulfilment

The Call Is Clear–Are You Ready to Be God’s Instrument? God’s actions in the Bible are always intentional, rooted in justice, and aligned with His covenant promises. When He raises a leader, it is not merely to accomplish a personal victory but to fulfil His divine purposes. The stories of leaders like Joshua and Deborah demonstrate how God uses individuals to execute His justice and uphold His covenant. Their unique temperaments and obedience to His calling emphasise that God’s purposes are always redemptive, even in times of conflict.

Joshua: A Commander Fulfilling God’s Promise

Joshua, as Moses’ successor, was chosen to lead Israel into the Promised Land, fulfilling the covenant God made with Abraham: “To your descendants, I give this land” (Genesis 15:18). Joshua’s temperament as a courageous and disciplined leader was crucial for this task. His faith in God’s promises enabled him to confront formidable enemies without fear.

One significant moment of Joshua’s leadership is the battle of Jericho. God instructed Joshua with an unusual strategy: march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, blow trumpets and shout (Joshua 6:2-5). Joshua’s obedience to these unconventional instructions resulted in the city’s miraculous fall (Joshua 6:20). This act was not just a military victory but a fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land to Israel.

Joshua also demonstrated God’s justice when he dealt with sin within Israel. After Achan disobeyed God’s command by taking plunder from Jericho, Joshua confronted the issue, leading to Achan’s punishment and restoring God’s favor to the nation (Joshua 7:10-26).

Deborah: A Judge Delivering God’s Justice

Deborah, a prophetess and judge, was uniquely positioned to lead Israel during a time of oppression. Her temperament as a wise and decisive leader made her an instrument of God’s justice. When Israel was oppressed by King Jabin of Canaan, Deborah, under God’s direction, called Barak to lead an army against Jabin’s commander, Sisera (Judges 4:6-7).

Barak hesitated and insisted that Deborah accompany him, to which she agreed, foretelling that the victory would ultimately come through a woman (Judges 4:9). The battle ended with Sisera’s death at the hands of Jael, fulfilling Deborah’s prophecy and demonstrating God’s justice (Judges 4:21-22). Deborah’s song of victory in Judges 5 praises God as the ultimate source of deliverance, highlighting His role in defending His people.

What Is This Mean for Us

The stories of Joshua and Deborah reveal that God raises leaders not just for military triumphs but to uphold His justice and fulfill His covenant promises. Joshua’s courage and Deborah’s wisdom were instrumental in carrying out God’s plans.

For readers, these examples remind us that God’s purposes extend beyond our personal ambitions. When God calls us, it is to participate in His redemptive work, whether through acts of justice, faithfulness, or obedience. As Micah 6:8 states: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

By aligning our actions with God’s purposes, we too can play a role in His greater plan, knowing that His justice and promises never fail.