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Historians and archaeologists affirm that the town or city or Jericho was not a large bustling city. Yes, it was a town and had a number of people living there. But it wasn’t a huge city.
Nevertheless, like many towns in the ancient world, there was a wall around the city. These walls were constructed to provide safety to the inhabitants. Military soldiers could then man the walls in order to provide safety and protection from invaders.
How did people in that day and age take over a fortified city? Oftentimes, they would burn down the gate or find other ways to sneak into a city for a surprise attack. But God used the most unusual and unexpected of methods to breach the walls of Jericho. God commanded His people to march around the city seven times and then shout at the top of their lungs. Sure enough, the walls crumbled and the people of Israel destroyed Jericho. Essentially, God communicated to His people that it was His power and strength, not theirs, that led to victory.
Living like Jesus is to recognize that God’s strength, not ours, is often revealed in unexpected ways. Yet it leads to victory.
READING & PRAYERS:
JOSHUA 6:15-23 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Think of a specific situation in which you’ve experienced the strength/power of God in an unexpected way? What was the victory for you and/or God in that situation?
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, If somebody asked me to tear a wall down I would expect to use a sledgehammer, not the sound of voices and trumpets. You not only work in unexpected people and unexpected ways, but You use unexpected methods to accomplish Your purposes. Today, I humbly submit my life to You and ask that You use whatever methods necessary to help me grow into the person You created me to be. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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