Two different mindsets. Two different struggles. But the same fundamental problem…
The belief that our relationship with God is based on merit.
Tucked between accounts you probably know really well—the walls of Jericho falling down and the day the sun stood still—is a story you may have overlooked. But hidden in Joshua 9–10 is a truth that can release you from a heavy, false burden.
An Unlikely Reminder of Grace
The Gibeonites were a Canaanite tribe living in the land God had promised to Israel. When they saw Israel conquering everything in its path, they got sneaky. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land, tricked Joshua into making a peace treaty with them, and secured protection they didn’t deserve.
Here’s the wild part: God honored the covenant.
Even though they came in through deception, God didn’t rip up the agreement. He didn’t say, “That was a mistake—they’re out.” Instead, He treated them as part of His people.
And when their enemies came against them, God fought for them. Hailstones fell. The sun stood still. The same power backing Israel was now defending this once-deceitful group of outsiders.
Even though they came in through deception, God didn’t rip up the agreement. He didn’t say, “That was a mistake—they’re out.” Instead, He treated them as part of His people. And not just barely.
The Gibeonites were given a permanent role—woodcutters and water carriers—for the house of God (Joshua 9:27). In other words: they were assigned to serve in His presence.
What should have disqualified them actually placed them right in the middle of sacred spaces.
That’s grace. That’s covenant.
Why? Because covenant overrules merit. Write that down. Keep that close to your heart. Put it on a sticky note.
Covenant overrules merit.
The Relief of Covenant Relationship
Fast forward to today, and we’re not so different.
There are two kinds of people:
1. Those who feel unworthy to even ask God for anything
- “I’ve messed up too much.”
- “Why would God help me?”
- “I don’t deserve His presence.”
2. Those who feel like God owes them something
- “I’ve been faithful—why am I still struggling?”
- “I serve, I tithe, I read my Bible… Doesn’t that count?”
- “I’ve done my part. Where’s my blessing?”
Here’s the truth bomb: neither of you are right.
God’s engagement with you—His love, His provision, His faithfulness—is not based on what you deserve or what you’ve done. It’s based on covenant.
Just like the Gibeonites, we’re brought into relationship not by our merit, but by His mercy.
Jesus: The Better Joshua & the Better Covenant
Let’s take it deeper.
Jesus is the greater Joshua—the One who leads us into the promises of God and establishes a covenant not through deception or negotiation, but through His own blood.
Luke 22:20: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, poured out for you.”
Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
John 19:30: “It is finished.”
No more striving. No more wondering if you’ve done enough. Jesus didn’t just seal the covenant—He fulfilled every part of it.
Covenant Gives Rest, Not Anxiety
“The only reason why God is engaged with you—He has an incredible love for you, yes—but that love is sealed through His covenant that He made with you, that He completed the entire deal for. That’s a relief. That’s a relief. It should bring you great peace. That’s what it’s meant to do.”
Let that sink in.
If you feel unworthy: Jesus made you part of the covenant. Your worthiness isn’t the point—His blood is.
If you feel entitled: God is faithful because He is faithful. Your obedience is an offering, not a bargaining chip.
This Is Why You Can Pray Boldly
Hebrews 4:16 says:
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
You don’t approach God because you earned it. You approach Him because you’re in covenant. Covered. Called. Welcomed.
You don’t cry out to God because you’ve earned it. You cry out because He brought you in. Covenant, not merit, is your confidence—and your peace.
So What Now?
- 🙏 If you’ve been hesitant to pray—pray anyway. Covenant > perfection.
- 💡 If you’ve been disappointed—check your heart. Is it trust or transaction?
- 🕊 Let go of striving and rest. God already settled the deal.
The Gibeonites remind us that God doesn’t reject people with a messy start. And Jesus reminds us that the cross secured our place in God’s family—forever.
Whether you feel unworthy or entitled… release both, and rest in the beautiful relief of covenant love.
Let’s Talk 👇
💬 Do you relate more to unworthiness or entitlement?
💭 How does this change the way you approach God?
Drop a comment—I’d love to pray for you. And if you haven’t yet, be sure to listen to the full message: Courage to Claim Promises. 🎧
As always, I appreciate your thoughts and comments. Leave a note below and be sure to join the mailing list and stay in touch!
Current Bible Study/Podcast Series: “Joshua: Strong & Courageous” – January-April, 2025
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