Through the Bible: JoshuaSample

God Is in Charge

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No, but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my Lord say to his servant?”

Joshua 5:13-14 (ESV)

In chapter 5, we see God preparing the Israelites for battle by having them circumcised, which was a sign of the covenant that God made with Abraham. Obedience is essential as you allow God to do His work through you. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joshua, it was to remind him that God is not there to take sides, but to take charge. Archaeologists have suggested that Jericho’s walls were 20-30 feet high, with a 6-foot thick outer wall separated by a 12-15 foot gap from a 12-foot thick inner wall. Houses were built against the walls in close proximity to one another. It is easy to see how an earth tremor could send the whole lot toppling down. God chose marching and shouting to bring down Jericho because He was aware of how the foundation of the walls was built.

Prayer:

Dear God, You are all knowing and all powerful, yet You do not work alone. You choose to work through us, and great things are achieved when we choose to listen and obey You. Help us to be patient as we wait for Your will to be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.