Daily Devotion - Joshua 6:16-20 - Who Fights Our Battles?
Many times we are faced with a decision to obey God when it just doesn't make sense.
They were going to die.
As the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they saw the opposing force that would spell their destruction. It was the city of Jericho, a solid fortress with walls 15 feet high and 5 feet thick. A city that was filled with some of the fiercest warriors in all of Canaan which made 2 million Israelite farmers and shepherds freeze in fear.
But God had a plan.
God had already committed the city of Jericho to destruction. The people may have seen God working through Israel and still chose to reject Him (Joshua 2:9-10), or possibly Rahab had tried to lead them to believe with the same result (Joshua 2:11). Whatever the case, God's plan was to destroy the city.
In our lives, we may come across belief statements that encourage us to exercise our personal authority over sin and Satan, that the enemy is "under our feet" and has to run from us. However, this is not exactly a Biblical concept. While Scripture does say "resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7), the first part of that verse requires submission and surrender to God. He alone holds all authority (Matthew 28:18).
On the other hand, we are not to be lazy and apathetic toward personal growth and spiritual maturity. While only God alone can save and sanctify us, we have to do our part. He will win the game, but we have to show up to practice and learn to throw the ball around.
[Joshua 6:20 ESV] 20 So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.
The Israelites at the city of Jericho were no different. They didn't attack the fortress with a battering ram, trying to penetrate the thick walls with their might. Even their shouts of praise on day seven - loud as they may have been - couldn't possibly be enough to topple 5 feet of solid stone. God's hand alone tore down the walls of Jericho.
But the Israelites also had to be obedient. They had to march around the city for 6 days, then 7 times on the 7th day ending with the blast of trumpets and a tumultuous shout. Marching and shouting on the other side of the Jordan wouldn't have had the same effect. They had to show up.
Many times we are faced with a decision to obey God when it just doesn't make sense. We just know that it won't work, that we have a better plan. In those times, it's important to remember that He is sovereign over everything, and His plans are based on the big picture of our lives and the lives of those around us. When we fully submit to Him, trusting and obeying His guidance, we will find ourselves victorious and truly satisfied in Him.
Question to Consider
Where in my life have I tried to take authority over my plans instead of surrendering to God's voice?
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, I know that You alone hold all authority over everything You have made, including my life. I submit now to Your gentle hand as You guide me on the path that is in my spiritual best interest and will bring You great glory. Amen.
