The Unconventional Path to Victory
The Scripture passage in Joshua 6:1-20 NASB20 presents us with an incredible story of faith, perseverance, and unconventional methods. As we consider this narrative, we will draw three essential thoughts to strengthen our faith journey: never box God into natural processes, keep repeating the same steps as long as they move you forward toward your victory, and shout before, during, and after your walls tumble down.
I. Never Box God into Natural Methods
In Joshua 6, the Israelites faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge – the fortified walls of Jericho. To human reasoning, their conquest seemed impossible. Yet, God, in His divine wisdom, commanded a peculiar strategy. Instead of relying on conventional warfare tactics, the Lord instructed Joshua to march around the city for six days, and on the seventh day, they were to shout with all their might. Joshua 6:1-2 sets the stage for this divine intervention.
As believers, we often have preconceived notions of how God will move in our lives, limiting His power to fit within our narrow understanding. But we must remember that our God is not confined by natural processes. He delights in confounding human wisdom, working in ways we least expect.
II. Keep Repeating the Step that Leads to Victory
Joshua adhered faithfully to God’s instructions, heeding every divine order; they faithfully marched around Jericho for six consecutive days. Can you imagine the temptation to give up during that time? The inhabitants of Jericho may have jeered and mocked them, questioning their sanity as they went around and around, apparently doing nothing. However, obedience prevailed.
The repetition of this seemingly mundane step was crucial in building an atmosphere of faith among the Israelites. It demonstrated their unwavering trust in God’s plan. Likewise, we can learn from Joshua’s example and apply this principle to our own lives. When we encounter spiritual battles, sometimes victory requires repeated obedience – steadfastly pressing forward even when it seems monotonous. Our persistence in following God’s instructions aligns our hearts with His divine rhythm, ultimately leading us to triumph.
EXAMPLE: The story of Naaman dipping in the Jordan River seven times is found in the book of 2 Kings in the Bible. Naaman was a commander in the army of the king of Aram but suffered from leprosy, a dreaded skin disease that caused him physical pain and isolation.
When he heard there was a prophet in Israel who could heal him, Naaman went there hopeful. When he arrived at the prophet Elisha’s house, Elisha sent a messenger with a simple instruction: go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River to be cleansed.
At first, Naaman was angry and offended by this simple instruction and didn’t understand why he should wash in the Jordan. His pride stopped him from seeing the importance of obedience and humility in God’s plan.
However, Naaman’s servants convinced him to give it a try. So, he went to the Jordan River and dipped himself in its water seven times, just as Elisha had instructed. On the seventh time, Naaman emerged from the water, and his leprosy was completely gone, leaving his skin completely healed.
Naaman realized that the God of Israel was indeed the true God and thanked Elisha for his miraculous healing. He offered gifts to Elisha, but the prophet refused, emphasizing that it was God’s power and mercy that had brought about the healing. Naaman then returned to his homeland, a changed man with a newfound faith in God.
III. Shout Before, During, and After Your Walls Tumble Down
On the seventh day, the Israelites didn’t wait for their walls to crumble before they celebrated the victory. They shouted with all their might, even before witnessing any physical transformation. This act of faith demonstrated their unwavering belief and trust in God’s promises. Joshua 6:20 reveals the result of their obedience and shouts of praise: “So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted… and the wall fell down.”
In Joshua 6:20, the original language of the word “shout” is Hebrew, and the word used is “rûa,” which means to shout, cry out, or make a loud noise. The specific meaning of the word in this context refers to a loud, triumphant cry of victory or a shout of jubilation.
- BEFORE: A Declaration of War!
- DURING: A Dominating Possession!
- AFTER: A Different Reality!
In our own lives, we are called to shout praises to God before, during, and after our walls crumble. We must trust in His faithfulness and celebrate His goodness, even when there is no visible evidence of a breakthrough. Remember, our shouts of faith may seem illogical to the world, but they reveal our reliance on the One who holds all power and authority. As the walls fall in our lives, let our shouts of victory resound, testifying to the greatness of our God.
Conclusion:
The story of the battle of Jericho teaches us invaluable lessons: (1) Never box God into natural processes, (2) Keep repeating the same steps in obedience as long as they lead us forward toward victory, and (3) Shout before, during, and after our walls crumble. Let us not limit God to our finite understanding but rather step out in faith, trusting His unconventional ways. As we persistently obey His commands, our shouts of faith will pave the way for divine breakthroughs. May we draw encouragement from the story of Jericho and apply its principles to our lives, knowing that our ultimate victory rests in the hands of our Almighty God. Amen.”