Faith is Obedient

Bulletins

Russ Bowman
04/28/24 - General

Josh.6-7 - The siege and conquest of Jericho must have initially seemed quite odd to the Canaanites within the city. “What’s up with these Israelites who come out every day and march around the city?” We have already been told repeatedly that the inhabitants of the land were afraid and disheartened because they had heard of the great miracles God was performing for His people (Josh.2:9-11,24; 5:1). So, the men of Jericho were afraid of what they were seeing, curious though it was. Perhaps even more so, this strategy must have seemed quite odd to God’s people. “March around the city and keep quiet except for seven priests blowing rams’ horns, once per day for six days? Then, seven times on day seven? Wait for the signal, then shout? The walls will fall down? OK. If You say so...”

And the walls fell flat.

Would they have fallen if Israel had only circled the city for six days instead of seven? Would they have fallen if there were only three priests instead of seven?

Would they have fallen if the armed men were all behind the ark, instead of arranged in a forward guard and a rear guard? Would they have fallen if the men didn’t shout? Would they have fallen if the soldiers weren’t quiet on one day when marching around the city? Would they have fallen if, on day seven, they only marched four times around? Would they have fallen if they didn’t believe God would make them fall?

Would God have acted had they not obeyed? In the ensuing story (Josh.7), Achan disobeyed and God did not act. That should answer the question.

God acted on behalf of His people when they obeyed because of their trust in Him. It’s how grace and faith worked then. It’s how grace and faith works now. Don’t be fooled by anyone who tells you that what we do doesn’t matter. That’s never been God’s way. Everything matters. And faith obeys.

(Taken from Lenexa Edifier, edited by Jim Stauffer)