“The LORD hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally.” — Joshua 11:20 (NIV)

Jacob sat by the fire looking troubled. His grandfather Achior noticed and asked, “What’s bothering you, boy?” “Grandpa, my teacher said God picks some people to save and some to destroy, and we can’t do anything about it. Is that true?” Achior stopped carving and looked serious. “Let me tell you three short stories, Jacob.”

“First – Achan. He was born an Israelite – one of God’s chosen people! He saw God stop the Jordan River and knock down Jericho’s walls. He was on the ‘saved’ side. But he CHOSE to steal what belonged to God. Even though he was born ‘chosen,’ he was destroyed because of his choice. Being born right didn’t save him when he chose evil.” Jacob’s eyes widened.

“Second – Rahab. She was born in evil Jericho – on the ‘condemned’ side. But when she learned about the real God, she CHOSE to follow Him. She moved from the ‘condemned’ side to the ‘saved’ side! And God loved her so much that she became King David’s great-great-grandmother!” “She changed sides!” Jacob exclaimed.

“Third – The Gibeonites. They were Canaanites doomed to be conquered. But they CHOSE to align with God’s people. Yes, they lied to do it, but God honored their choice! They became servants in God’s house and learned about the true God.” Achior looked directly at Jacob. “Your teacher got it wrong, son. People aren’t stuck on one side because God randomly picks. God set up two sides, yes – but people CHOOSE which side they’re on!” “So Israelites who chose evil got destroyed, and Canaanites who chose God got saved?” Jacob asked.

“Exactly! It’s not about WHERE you were born or WHAT family you came from. It’s about WHO you choose to follow!” “But what about God hardening their hearts?” “Good question! When people keep refusing God over and over, eventually He stops forcing them to listen. He lets them have what they chose. It’s like when your father warns you five times not to touch the hot pot, and finally lets you touch it so you’ll learn.”

Jacob thought hard. “So as long as I’m alive, I can choose God’s side?”

“YES! It’s NEVER too late to change sides as long as you’re willing! God is always calling, always ready to forgive anyone who truly wants to turn from evil.”

Jacob smiled. “I choose God’s side, Grandpa!” Achior hugged him tight. “That’s the most important choice you’ll ever make. And you have to keep choosing it every single day.”

Did You Know?  The Hebrew word “cerem” (devoted to destruction) wasn’t about randomly picking people to destroy! It was about what happened to those who persistently rebelled against God’s ways and refused every chance to change. The conquest of Canaan was limited to a specific time period and specific place – it wasn’t meant to go on forever. God’s judgment was controlled, not random!

🔥 Personal Reflection:

  • What encourages you about knowing that people could move from one side to the other?
  • Have you made a clear choice to follow God, or are you still unsure?
  • How does it make you feel to know that it’s never too late to choose God’s side?

🙏 Prayer: Dear God, thank You that I get to choose which side I’m on! Thank You that You don’t randomly pick some people to save and others to destroy – You give everyone a real choice. I choose Your side today! I choose to follow You, obey You, and love You. Help me keep making that choice every single day. When I’m tempted to do wrong things, remind me that I’m choosing which side I’m on. And please help people I know who haven’t chosen You yet to hear Your voice and choose to follow You too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.