We’ve probably heard about the Walls of Jericho and the Israelites. For Joshua and Israelite soldiers it seemed Jericho was impenetrable and impossible to overcome. However, Joshua led the soldiers to do what God had instructed. According to God’s promises and the Israelites being obedient. After 7 days of marching around Jericho the walls fell. I sure the people who lived in Jericho thought they were crazy. But Jericho fell in what led to an amazing victory for the Israelites by the power of God.
What lessons can we learn about Joshua the walls of Jericho, here are a few.
- Follow God, even if the journey seems impossible or unexpected
The walls of Jericho should have been impenetrable. What Joshua and the Israelites were up against may have seemed impossible. But they followed God anyway with full trust and hope in His promise and faithfulness that He would indeed fight for them to claim the land that was promised to them. We can rest assured that even if the path seems impossible, or is not what we expected when we prayerfully follow God’s plan for us, it will be worth every step of the way.
It’s crucial to leans on God and put your trust in Him, because that is when the impossible can happen.
- When we listen, we can hear God speaking to us.
God spoke to Joshua and Joshua listened. Because Joshua took the time to listen to God and seek His direction, he heard clearly from God what steps to take.
Today believers who spend time with God can use a valuable lesson about the importance of making the space to hear from God. When we stop and take time to listen, read scripture, spend time in prayer, be still, worship, and journal what we hear, we may hear from God and discern how the Holy Spirit guides our steps.
- God is purposeful, not random.
God did not instruct Joshua and his soldiers to storm the city upon arrival. He had meticulous steps for them to achieve that outcome of victory. God was very specific and purposeful in how He orchestrated the walls of Jericho falling, if God has done this for Joshua and the Israelites then we should have confidence that God makes purposeful plans for our lives.
The ups and downs of life may feel unexpected and catch us off guard, but God knows what’s coming and will make good out of all circumstances for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
- The outcome may not be instant, but keep waiting on God.
Joshua and his soldiers were not given permission by God to simply storm the city. The people of Jericho were fierce fighters God knew if they did that they would die. They had to wait 7 days. They marched, camped, and waited for God to move. Some were undeniably wondering if this was the best way to win the city when they had a proven military strategy. We may find ourselves thinking similar thoughts when it comes to waiting on God,
The answer comes to us in Isaiah 40:31, “Those who wait in the Lord will renew their strengths.” waiting on God deepens our faith, and increases our trust in Him, and while we wait with faith, God will certainly transform and renew us.
An example of this is. About 2 weeks ago I had some medical tests done. The doctor wanted to put me on a medication that had a lot of side effects. I told him I would let him know, and that I needed to think about it. I have prayed over this and didn’t feel like God was answering. So I kept asking about this in my prayers, yesterday I felt God speak to me and told me not to take the medicine.
- We are not sufficient in and of ourselves. We need God.
The Israelites could have marched around the walls of Jericho a million times, they could have blown a thousand shofars, and they could have shouted until they lost their voices, but without God’s power, the walls of Jericho never would have fallen. We are no self-sufficient; we truly need God. We need God to win our battles, to empower us to love others, to overcome obstacles, and make a lasting impact on the world. We need God in our marriages, friendships, careers, and families.
- Obedience in God Matters
If the Israelites had resisted the instructions given by God to Joshua, the walls of Jericho would have not come down. The Israelites would have lost and been forced out of the promised land. Their obedience to God mattered. This is still true today. Living according to God’s ways rather than our own ways, make a difference. We find encouragement from the narrative to be obedient to God and the assurance that obedience will result in blessing (Luke 11:28).
- What God promises, He will fulfill
God promised the Israelites this land. The fall of the walls of Jericho is a great reminder that God fulfills what He promises. A lot of time passed between when God initially promised the land to the Israelites, and when they actually came to enter and claim that land. Regardless of how much time passes, God will always make good on His promises. We can trust that God is faithful to His promises and be at peace while we wait for a promise to come to pass.
I have been praying for God to make a way for me to see my son. Last week I was able to spend 3 days with him. We had not seen in other in 5 years.
Whatever your situation, let the fallen walls of Jericho remind you of God’s power and faithfulness that you can believe in and put your hope in.
From Pity to Praise 