Jericho -
I've heard and read the story countless times. Therefore, I assumed that there'd be no new information for me here. I knew God could make anything meaningful of course, but I didn't count on learning any new factual information about Jericho. Well, never assume....
Maybe you already knew this, but I didn't.
In our Sunday service, Pastor Mike shared that Jericho had not one but two walls surrounding it - an inner wall and an outer wall. I never knew that. [More about the walls: http://www.israel-a-history-of.com/walls-of-jericho.html]
And it turns out that when the Israelites famously blew their trumpets and shouted their cries to tumble the wall, the inner wall crumbled onto the outer wall creating a ramp for the Israelites to enter. Their greatest obstacle became their stepping stone to victory. The greatest obstacle you face will become your stepping stone to victory.
Up until that point God provided for the Israelites. The day that they camped before Jericho was the last day that God provided manna for them (Joshua 5:12) Now God was requiring them to step out in faith. Faith requires us to do the unusual to bring about what God wants.
Before He gave them their marching instructions, He told them that He GAVE them "Jericho, its king, and all its mighty warriors." The enemy was already defeated! (Joshua 6:2) We also fight a defeated foe. They had to go through the battle, and we do too. But we fight from victory that is assured.
Why did God have such an unusual plan for the conquest of Jericho? Perhaps it was to prove to them that HE was their deliverer, not their weapons or military expertise, not their skills or talents. Or maybe it was a test to see if they would follow His strange instructions completely. Not that He needed to see if they would pass the test - they needed to know that they could be obedient.
Jericho was considered invincible and that was the first thing on God's agenda for Israel to conquer. Its defeat showed them (and us!) that it is God who is invincible.
Do you have an impossible obstacle? Take comfort from the words of Rahab - the prostitute and the only one (and her family) saved from Jericho because she was faithful to our Lord and sheltered the spies. "For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below." (Joshua 2:11)
Please let me know how I can pray for you.
"The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." 1 Thess. 5:24
9 comments:
Hi Susan,
This really ministered to me. Thank you.
Bravo Sue! Another timely GEM of encouragement!!
Where have you been? Haven't received Eternity Cafe in over 2 weeks.
I heard Mike preach it and now, hearing it from you, I got to enjoy the message presented in two different ways. Your illustrations are superb! Thanks!
Oh, my, I never knew about the two walls and the ramp! How astounding!
Yes, will you please pray for my daughter and her family--there's a double-walled situation there. Thank you so much!
Love you, sis,
Jen
I think I have heard this, but I appreciate the reminder. I like the idea of having stepping stones to victory. I'm in! :)
Hi Susan.
Thanks for the word picture today that God wants to help us overcome huge obstacles for his glory! I just made a significant job change so this is a sweet reminder for me tonight.
Blessings to you,
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
Hi Susan -
Great encouragement! I'm still looking for an agent and a publishing contract. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Dear Susan, thanks for another inspiring message. Bless you!
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