OF VICTORY AND BREAKTHROUGHS
1 After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Now that my servant Moses is dead, you must lead my people across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. 3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Everywhere you go, you will be on land I have given you ……. 5 No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you (Joshua 1:1-3,5 New Living Translation - NLT).
Joshua – like many of us – knew what the Lord is capable of doing. He was aware of the wondrous deeds performed through His servant Moses. The era of Moses was an era of power and outstanding deeds. Moses was not an average prophet. He was a man of God in a league of his own. The following excerpt (describing Prophet Elisha) culled from the topic QUITE A HANDFUL, ISN’T HE?! can be used to describe Moses as well:
Elisha's strength cannot be explained in terms of the physical or in the same sphere as an average person. Though he was a human being, he was indeed a strong spiritual entity. I mean, he was "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). No kidding. A prophet of Elisha's caliber had a rather unusual ministry with such an enormous and rare anointing and capability. He had the kind of ministry many men & women of God would like to have.
"But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 I assure you, many prophets and godly people have longed to see and hear what you have seen and heard, but they could not. (Matthew 13:16-17 NLT)
Spiritually, he was a strong force to be reckoned with.
In terms of conquest, miracles, wondrous deeds, power and impact, Joshua must have wondered: Can the Lord prove Himself in mighty ways like He did in the days of Moses? Before the thought even had an outlet through his mouth, the Most High God who is capable of reading minds and heart took the wind out of his sail:
5 Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will always be with you: I will never abandon you ........ (Joshua 1:5 Good News Bible - GNB).
9 I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT)
In terms of conquest, miracles, wondrous deeds, power and impact, if the Lord has done it before, can He do it again?
For the LORD will rise up as (He once did) at Mount Perazim, (and) ……. in the Valley of Gibeon - that He may do His work, His awesome work, and bring to pass His act, his unusual act (Isaiah 28:21 New King James Version - NKJV)
What about the Lord rising up at Mount Perazim?
19 ……. The LORD replied, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly give you the victory.”
20 So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The LORD has done it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So David named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”) (2 Samuel 5:19-20 NLT).
So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water” ....... (2 Samuel 5:20 NKJV).
11 So David and his troops went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “God has done it!” David exclaimed. “He used me to burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” ...... (1 Chronicles 14:11 NLT)
And what about the Lord rising up at the Valley of Gibeon?
10 So the Lord routed them before Israel, killed them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, chased them ....., and struck them down ....... 11 And it happened, as they fled ..... that the LORD cast down large hailstones from heaven on them ......... (Joshua 10:10,11 NKJV)
With that backdrop, the wall of Jericho must be a child’s play.
Haven’t you heard: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NLT). That which He can do – and has done - in the past with the likes of Moses, He certainly can do it again. Forget about those academic religious postulations that proclaim how awesome God was back then but He is not anymore. Where in the scriptures does it state that the era of conquest, miracles, wondrous deeds, power and impact is gone with the days of the Acts of Apostles? Where does it state that the era of conquest, miracles, wondrous deeds, power and impact is confined to the pages of the Bible? Where does it state that the era of conquest, miracles, wondrous deeds, power and impact is gone with the Bible days? The notion that the era of conquest, miracles, wondrous deeds, power and impact is no longer suitable for Joshua’s time – and our time - is based merely on the conception of men. In fact, such conceptions are actually misconceptions!
6 And so, by your own tradition, you nullify the direct commandment of God ...... 9 ....... they replace God’s commands with their own man-made teachings.’” (Matthew 15:6,9 NLT)
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and follow strange myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. ........ (2 Timothy 4:3-5 NLT)
The Lord Jesus made it crystal clear that: “The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, .......... (John 14:12 NLT)
”Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12 NKJV) who will send you His Spirit to make it happen by His power. For “you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8 NKJV).
14 Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT)
As the Lord was with them in ages past, so is He even today, and forever more. He is the Ancient of days; yet He is neither dead nor sleeping, as some have postulated. He is invisible; yet He is more than a mere figment of one’s imagination. His deeds and existence is legendary; yet He is more than a myth. He is alive and kicking – just like He used to be, and has been all along!
13 But Moses protested, “If I go to the people ....... They will ask, ‘Which god are you talking about? What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?” 14 God replied, “I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS. Just tell them, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” 15 ...... This will be my name forever; it has always been my name, and it will be used throughout all generations. (Exodus 3:13, 14, 15 NLT)
And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say ........ I AM has sent me to you.’”
From the horse’s mouth, it doesn’t get any better than that: “I AM WHO I AM.” No past tense or past participle. It’s easy and straightforward to comprehend. “And it will be used throughout all generations” (Exodus 3:15 NLT). In other words, if at any point in time in history (past, present or future) anyone ask the same questions put forward by Moses, the response – just like the reality behind it - will remain the same: “I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS” aka “I AM WHO I AM.” Hence, “no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will always be with you: I will never abandon you (Joshua 1:5 GNB).
Joshua – like many of us – had nothing to worry about. What he needed to focus on is walking steadily in the path of faith and obedience. His concern was keeping his end of the bargain:
7 Just be determined, be confident: and make sure that you obey ...... Do not neglect any part of it and you will succeed wherever you go (Joshua 1:7 GNB).
8 This Book of the Law (the living word of God) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:8 NKJV).
9 I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NLT).
For as long as Joshua kept his side of the covenant, the Lord will always take care of business. According to Joshua 1:8, his level of success is directly proportional to his level of commitment to his side of the deal as laid out by the Lord. Take the word / admonition of the Lord serious; you’ll be glad you did.
"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30 NKJV)
To this end, it is advisable to inculcate the reading and studying of the word of God into one’s lifestyle. Stocking up the truth of the word of God in one’s heart is more like it; it will come in handy as occasion requires. As believers, it is of utmost importance that we lay up for ourselves treasures of the truth of His word in our hearts. The word of the Lord – and the accompanying revelation knowledge – ought to be part of one’s daily ‘diet’. Reading the Bible – the main source of the truth of God’s word - is a good habit to cultivate. Frequent contact with publications (for instance periodicals, journals, books, audio & visual tapes and discs, internet materials) based on the truth of the word of the Lord is a healthy practice as well. Emphasis should be placed on materials that contain / release anointing and power; delving into just any material simply because it is religious in nature is not enough. Likewise, engaging in conversations on regular basis with individuals who are “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10 NKJV) is highly advisable. After all, “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV). The disciples hung out with Jesus in the four gospels (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and turned out producing exploits after exploits in the book of Acts of the Apostles. Also, before the Lord appointed Joshua, he was a very close companion of Moses. Keep in mind that “the word of the LORD was to them, “Precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little” (Isaiah 28:13 NKJV). In this way, you will “be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23 NKJV). This will serve as a sieve that helps filter the diverse materials we are being bombarded with daily. Some of these materials (though skillfully packaged and delivered through the various media of communication) are detrimental to the mind / soul. One must ensure that one’s mind is not left unattended to be used as the dumping ground for just about anything, or the playground of just about anyone.
23 Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. 24 You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness—righteous, holy, and true.
(Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT)
Simply put, one needs to get the mind flooded with the word of life.
As mentioned earlier, for as long as Joshua kept his side of the covenant, the Lord will always take care of business. According to Joshua 1:8, his level of success is directly proportional to his level of commitment to his side of the deal as laid out by the Lord. It will not come as a surprise if at the end of the day his memoirs contain something like this:
89 Forever, O LORD,
your word stands firm in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
as enduring as the earth you created.
91 Your laws remain true today,
for everything serves your plans.
92 If your law hadn’t sustained me with joy,
I would have died in my misery.
93 I will never forget your commandments,
for you have used them to restore my joy and health.
94 I am yours; save me!
For I have applied myself to obey your commandments.
95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
I will quietly keep my mind on your decrees.
96 Even perfection has its limits,
but your commands have no limit.
97 Oh, how I love your law!
I think about it all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for your commands are my constant guide.
99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your decrees.
100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments.
101 I have refused to walk on any path of evil,
that I may remain obedient to your word.
102 I haven’t turned away from your laws,
for you have taught me well.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste;
they are sweeter than honey.
104 Your commandments give me understanding;
no wonder I hate every false way of life.
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:89-105 NLT).
So the LORD was with Joshua, and his name became famous throughout the land (Joshua 6:27 NLT)
The Lord knew what He was doing / talking about when he gave Joshua the encouragement in Joshua 1:7-8. The Lord knows what will help shape his mentality and foster the right spirit / attitude as he embarks on the task ahead. Adherence to His counsel helped set Joshua on the right path. A study of the book of Joshua revealed that he is typically in the right mood to make the right move as he progresses from one chapter (stage) to the other. Jehovah ROHI (The Lord is my Shepherd) handed Joshua the formula that will help him maximize “good success” (Joshua 1:8 NKJV); he ‘sheepishly’ followed it, and it worked. His conquest are scattered through the book titled after him: Joshua 3:1-17; Joshua 6:1-27; Joshua 8:1-29; Joshua 10:1-27; Joshua 11:1-15. The synopsis of his conquest is contained in Joshua 10:28-43; Joshua 11:16-23; Joshua 12:7-24; and Joshua 21:43-45.
27 So the LORD was with Joshua, and his name became famous throughout the land (Joshua 6:27 NLT).
As mentioned earlier, Joshua’s conquest are scattered through the book titled after him. One of such conquest was over the ‘great’ wall of Jericho. It has always been said that whenever one find oneself on the Lord’s mission, even stumbling blocks will turn to stepping stones to greater heights. Such is the case with Joshua & the people and the wall of Jericho.
1 Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go in or out. 2 But the LORD said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its mighty warriors. 3 Your entire army is to march around the city once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the horns, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the walls of the city will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the city.”
6 So Joshua called together the priests and said, “Take up the Ark of the Covenant, and assign seven priests to walk in front of it, each carrying a ram’s horn.” 7 Then he gave orders to the people: “March around the city, and the armed men will lead the way in front of the Ark of the LORD.”
8 After Joshua spoke to the people, the seven priests with the rams’ horns started marching in the presence of the LORD, blowing the horns as they marched. And the priests carrying the Ark of the LORD’s covenant followed behind them. 9 Armed guards marched both in front of the priests and behind the Ark, with the priests continually blowing the horns. 10 “Do not shout; do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!” 11 So the Ark of the LORD was carried around the city once that day, and then everyone returned to spend the night in the camp.
12 Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests again carried the Ark of the LORD. 13 The seven priests with the rams’ horns marched in front of the Ark of the LORD, blowing their horns. Armed guards marched both in front of the priests with the horns and behind the Ark of the LORD. All this time the priests were sounding their horns. 14 On the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They followed this pattern for six days.
15 On the seventh day the Israelites got up at dawn and marched around the city as they had done before. But this time they went around the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, as the priests sounded the long blast on their horns, Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! ……
20 When the people heard the sound of the horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the city from every side and captured it. (Joshua 6:1-20 New Living Translation - NLT)
From a human point of view, the wall of Jericho was by no means a child’s play. The wall of Jericho was very fortified in its length, breadth and width. The wall by itself in appearance was very intimidating. It was quite high. Lots of structures are made of wood and bricks. Agreed. But a good number of them are actually hollow. Try knocking on some of the structures you see around you with the knuckles and listen to the sound being produced: hollow sound. Even without the sense of sight, you can detect what is (or what is not) inside. The wall of Jericho did not fall in such category; it was filled with materials similar to mortar or concrete. Who would think of sizing up such a wall? Well, with bulldozers, or battering rams, or explosives, perhaps. Without bulldozers, or battering rams, or explosives? Hmmm. Good luck. Apart from the not-quite-hollow nature of the wall, it was reputed for having a wide top. It had a wide top? Well, standing on top of some other walls involve some balancing acts. For such walls, one has to struggle to maintain one’s footing due to the narrow surface area at the top. Again, the wall of Jericho did not fall in such category; it had a wide surface area at the top. Legend has it that the top surface area is wide enough for six horses to stand side by side conveniently! The surface was used from time to time for leisure activities. Feel like playing, sleeping or loafing around? Sure. Aim for the top! In a nutshell, the wall of Jericho is tall, thick, wide and quite fortified. The wall reminds me of the scripture in Matthew 21:44:
“And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” (New King James Version – NKJV)
“Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” (NLT)
Any time I think of that wall, that scripture verse comes to mind. Well, for obvious reasons.
According to Joshua 6:20 NLT “they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed”
Some scholars have wondered: For a wall with the above mentioned design and specification, how so? In light of physical sciences that are concerned with the properties and behaviour of non-living matter, how is that possible?
As we progress, you may want to keep this scripture in mind:
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV)
Physics is one of the main physical sciences that is concerned with the properties and behaviour of non-living matter. It is mainly concerned with matter in relation to energy. Sound and its properties is one of the groups of studies under Physics. Sound is produced by vibration. Vibrations produce waves. Sound waves require a material or medium in order to be propagated. In this case, air is the medium. The waves travel and carry the energy through the air.
Joshua 6:20 NLT mentioned how the people “shouted as loud as they could”. Loudness (or intensity) depends on amplitude. In other words, the greater the mass of air that can be set into vibration, the louder the sound. Sound intensity or loudness is measured in decibel (dB).
Also, wind and temperature are factors that affect the velocity of sound. If the wind is blowing in the same direction as the source of sound, the velocity of sound increases. Likewise, as the air temperature increases at constant pressure, the air expands and becomes less dense; this increases the velocity of sound. Hence, the velocity of sound increases with temperature and wind.
Assuming on the day described in Joshua 6:1-20, the people – each and every single one of them – actually managed to shout at the very top of their individual lungs (without turning purple or having heart attacks). Assuming the temperature that day rose to an unseasonably / ridiculously high level (hopefully not high enough to tan the living daylights out of the people. The worst-case scenario would be people loosing consciousness). Assuming the wind that day was blowing really hard (but not hard enough to blow the people away), and in the same direction as the source of the sound. All these are based on unrealistic assumptions. In this hypothetical context, when the people “shouted as loud as they could”, a great mass of air was set into vibration that created sound waves that travelled at a very high velocity. This massive sound wave that is coming from one direction must have hit the fortified wall that surrounded an entire city with such tremendous impact, that “the wall fell down flat”! Imagine how many decibels that kind of massive sound wave would be made up of. But then, this was not the entire world population of billions of people shouting on top of their lungs. Well, not unless of course the entire host of heaven lent their vocal chords to the ensemble. Even then, this explanation - based on the outlined hypothetical situation that is rooted in unrealistic assumptions - is far-fetched.
Based on the above hypothetical situation, the sound waves – though coming from one direction - made even contact with every dimension of the wall surrounding the city for the entire wall to have “fell down flat” – as against leaving the wall in a crumbled and dilapidated state. The wall did not just fall apart, and left a ramshackle structure; it collapsed. All of a sudden too!
“Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed” (Joshua 6:20 NLT)
The wall did not crack or crumble in progression; “the wall fell down flat”! (Joshua 6:20 NKJV) “The wall fell down flat” as if Someone actually tipped the wall at the top and it fell flat like a piece of domino.
So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city (Joshua 6:20 NKJV)
I sure hope you are not thinking in the line of bulldozers, or battering rams, or explosives. Were they even invented yet?
6 Then he said to me, “This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty. 7 Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will flatten out before him! ........’” (Zechariah 4:6,7 NLT)
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV)
.............. "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26 NKJV).
With a wall that tall, that thick, and that wide, of course, it would have to be crushed for the invaders to be able to charge straight into the city. Otherwise, charging straight into the city would have been an uphill task. Needless to say, the Power behind the fall of the wall is equally up to the task when it comes to crushing the fallen barrier.
It is the Spirit who gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. ......... (John 6:63 NLT)
“.......... a man does not triumph by his own strength" alone. (1 Samuel 2:9 GNB)
So if you were wondering: how is it possible that the wall of Jericho managed to fall in the manner in which it fell? The explanation is far beyond what the field of study of the properties and behaviour of non-living matter can fathom. Remember, “the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV)
8 "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8 NLT)
As mentioned earlier, some school of opinion based their explanation on the human factor, that is: “they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed” (Joshua 6:20 NLT). Despite the analysis / explanation of the properties of sound in relation to the people shouting “as loud as they could”, it is very important to note that the shouting has no direct bearing on the actual Force behind the fall of the wall. The people’s shout is nothing but a mere gesture of faith in and obedience to the Lord.
11 “If they listen and obey God, then they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant. 12 But if they refuse to listen to him, they will perish in battle and die from lack of understanding (Job 36:11-12 NLT)
16 Come closer and listen. I have always told you plainly what would happen so you would have no trouble understanding.”
And now the Sovereign LORD and his Spirit have sent me with this message: 17 “The LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good and leads you along the paths you should follow. 18 Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling like waves. 19 Then you would have become as numerous as the sands along the seashore—too many to count! There would have been no need for your destruction.” (Isaiah 48:16-19 NLT)
17 ….. “I am the LORD your God, the one who wants to teach you for your own good and direct you in the way you should go. 18 “If only you had listened to my commands! Then blessings would have flowed for you like a stream that never goes dry. Victory would have come to you like the waves that roll on the shore (Isaiah 48:17-19 NKJV)
How about this scenario?
20 Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and affliction for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes, 21 and you will hear a voice say, “This is the way; turn around and walk here.” (Isaiah 30:20-21 NLT)
Action / response the Lord expect from the people:
22 Then you will destroy all your silver idols and gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rags. “Ugh!” you will say to them. “Begone!” (Isaiah 30:22 NLT)
The result the people will get in return:
23 Then the LORD will bless you with rain at planting time. There will be wonderful harvests and plenty of pastureland for your cattle (Isaiah 30:23 NLT).
And how about this?
1 The next day Jesus’ mother was a guest at a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. 2 Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother spoke to him about the problem. “They have no more wine,” she told him. 4 “How does that concern you and me?” Jesus asked. “My time has not yet come.”
5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Six stone waterpots were standing there; they were used for Jewish ceremonial purposes and held twenty to thirty gallons each. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” …… (John 2:1-7 NLT)
“Fill the jars with water?!" Is he talking jars? This is a wedding ceremony! What was he thinking? That water will be served in place of wine at a wedding ceremony?! Does Mary even know what she was doing when she referred the servants to Jesus? How well did she know him before referring him to them? “Fill the jars with water?!" Is this some kind of joke?
7 ……. When the jars had been filled to the brim, 8 he said, “Dip some out and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So they followed his instructions. (John 2:7 NLT)
The result they got in return:
9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “Usually a host serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone is full and doesn’t care, he brings out the less expensive wines. But you have kept the best until now!” (John 2:7-10 NLT)
Voila!
“….. Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall proper.” (2 Chronicles 20:20 NKJV)
As children of God, that is the kind of effect we are expected to have wherever we find ourselves. With ministries / deeds like that, our light will shine so much, glory will be given to our heavenly Father. Indeed, we will be living testimony of the awesome might of our God. We will become a walking testament of the virtues of His kingdom. With us working hand in glove with the Spirit of the Lord, even after we may have departed physically, the impact of our influence will persist.
In the context of the wall of Jericho, how is this for a directive?
3 …… march around the city once a day for six days (6 days – 1 lap per day). 4 ……. On the seventh day you are to march around the city seven times (7th day - 7 laps), with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the horns, have all the people give a mighty shout. (Joshua 6:3,4,5 NLT)
Awkward? Intriguing?
The result the people will get upon compliance:
Then the walls of the city will collapse, …….” (Joshua 6:5 NLT)
Yes, the Lord is willing to secure breakthroughs for His people. Please realize that breakthroughs come in stages. Even the process of creation described in Genesis chapter 1 took place in stages:
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ….. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that it was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” Together these made up one day.
6 And God said, “Let there be space between the waters, to separate water from water.” 7 And so it was. …….. 8 And God called the space “sky.” This happened on the second day.
9 And God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky be gathered into one place so dry ground may appear.” And so it was. ….. 11 Then God said, “Let the land burst forth with every sort of grass and seed-bearing plant. And let there be trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. …...” And so it was. 12 …... And God saw that it was good. 13 This all happened on the third day.
14 And God said, “Let bright lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. …….. 15 Let their light shine down upon the earth.” And so it was. 16 For God made two great lights, the sun and the moon, …… He also made the stars. …… And God saw that it was good. 19 This all happened on the fourth day.
20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every sort of fish and every kind of bird. And God saw that it was good. 22 Then God blessed them, saying, “Let the fish multiply and fill the oceans. Let the birds increase and fill the earth.” 23 This all happened on the fifth day.
24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth every kind of animal—livestock, small animals, and wildlife.” And so it was. 25 God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to reproduce more of its own kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. ……. 31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. This all happened on the sixth day. (Genesis 1:1-31 NLT)
The account of creation found in Genesis chapter 1 showed how the Lord achieved / accomplished a creative breakthrough in transforming “the earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness” (Genesis 1:2 NLT) into a masterpiece. As can be seen in the passage from the book of Genesis, the process of creation took place in stages. It took six days for God to diligently, patiently and painstakingly set things in place in the universe.
By the way, it is not certain if each ‘day’ in Genesis chapter 1 is calibrated or divided into 24 hours. After all, “And God said, “Let bright lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. They will be signs to mark off the seasons, the days, and the years. 15 Let their light shine down upon the earth.” And so it was. 16 For God made two great lights, the sun and the moon, to shine down upon the earth. The greater one, the sun, presides during the day; the lesser one, the moon, presides through the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set these lights in the heavens to light the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 This all happened on the fourth day” (Genesis 1:14-19 NLT). If “the sun and the moon” the “bright lights” that “appear in the sky to separate the day from the night” “will be the signs to mark off” “the days” were created “on the fourth day”, what was used to mark off what “made up one day”, what “happened on the second day”, and what “happened on the third day”?
8 But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day (2 Peter 3:8 NLT)
Keep in mind that "there are secret things that belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we may obey these words of the law" (Deuteronomy 29:29 NLT)
The Lord Jesus pointed out: “However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows (Matthew 24:36 NLT)
Regardless of how each ‘day’ in Genesis chapter 1 is calibrated (whether it is divided into 24 hours or not), one thing is certain: each stage in the process of creation involves a diligent, patient and painstaking course of action that took place over a period of time. The actual length of time it took is certainly known to the Most High God. Indubitably, the process of creation took place in stages. Likewise breakthroughs: they come in stages. As awkward or intriguing as it may seem, the Lord knows what He was doing when He gave the directive to “3 …… march around the city once a day for six days (6 laps – 1 lap per day). 4 ……. On the seventh day you are to march around the city seven times (7 laps in one day), with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the horns, have all the people give a mighty shout. (Joshua 6:3,4,5 NLT)
I hardly think that the directive was a ploy on the Lord’s part to enlist His people in a fitness program that was being run by physical education instructor Joshua and the horn blowing priests. (In a contemporary context, if that were a fitness class, the priests might have been equipped with whistles - not horns!) And if that were to be the case, well, the people could use some exercise anyway. An opportunity to exercise their faith, obedience, devotion and patience might not be a bad idea at all. They “got up early” (Joshua 6:12 NLT) in the morning like fitness buffs.
…… they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They followed this pattern for six days (Joshua 6:14 NLT).
15 On the seventh day the Israelites got up at dawn and marched around the city as they had done before. But this time they went around the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, as the priests sounded the long blast on their horns, Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! ……(Joshua 6:15-16 NLT)
Call it prayer walks if you deem fit. As boring and monotonous as this exercise might have seem, the gesture of faith to the Lord and obedience to Him is very crucial in determining the outcome. Like it did in the case of Naaman the leper as stated in this excerpt culled from the topic OF FAITH, WORKS AND GOOD DEEDS.
Remember the story of Naaman as described in 2 Kings 5:1-15? He was the one instructed by the Lord through Elisha the man of God to deep himself into river Jordan in order to be healed of his leprosy. Initially, he was reluctant to dip himself in a river he rated to be inferior in quality to the first class Rivers in his native Syria. He eventually let go of his ego, and adjusted his point of view to fit the Lord's perspective.
14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his flesh became as healthy as a young child's, and he was healed! . ........." (2 Kings 5:14 NLT)
If Naaman had not taken an action of faith in the direction of the Lord's will, he would have created a clog in the wheel of progress for God's plan for his life and destiny. The importance of making a move that demonstrate backing up one's faith with the corresponding action cannot be overemphasized.
Remember “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV). In this case, let us not grow weary in doing that which is good or acceptable in the sight of the Lord. Let us not grow weary following the path that is chosen / ordained by the Lord. No one mentioned that it is always going to be a bed of roses, after all
13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. 14 But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT)
Obviously, this route – though it leads to favourable and blessed end - is not very desirable. No one mentioned that it is always going to be easy, but no one is disputing the fact that our victory is inevitable.
When he was told to "Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River," "Naaman became angry and stalked away." He said, "I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me! 12 Aren't the Abana River and Pharpar River of Damascus better than all the rivers of Israel put together? Why shouldn't I wash in them and be healed?"
He seems to have forgotten that
25 This "foolish" plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength. 26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, 29 so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God. 30 God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself. He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and he gave himself to purchase our freedom. 31 As the Scriptures say, "The person who wishes to boast should boast only of what the Lord has done." (1 Corinthians 1:25-31 NLT)
Naaman did not seem to realize that for one to receive from the Lord, one has to be willing to work hand in glove with Him.
"For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV).
"Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you." (1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT)
Naaman sounded just like some of us who think we know everything and yet understands little. He has a problem; the Lord has the solution, yet he was getting upset with Him. According to Naaman, "Aren't the Abana River and Pharpar River of Damascus better than all the rivers of Israel put together?" May be. May be not. Fact is: his healing is ordained in that murky, dirty, despicable river called Jordan, and not in the Abana River and Pharpar River of Damascus. Need someone be reminded of the prayer mentioned under the correlated topic CHOICE OF A LIFE PARTNER: LET GO AND LET GOD HAVE HIS WAY? Here is an excerpt from that topic:
Remember that well-known prayer? The one that is similar to apostle Paul's "therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." It sounds something like this: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage for the things I can and wisdom to know the difference. Someone ought to be reminded of that.
He seemed to have forgotten what the scripture states in Isaiah 55:8 NLT:
8 "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."
Also,
"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts." (Proverbs 21:2 NKJV)
"There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death" (Proverbs 14:12 NLT).
He failed to see how fortunate he was: "And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian. " (Luke 4:27 NKJV). Eventually, "Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times". Guess whose health "spring forth speedily"?
" ......... And his flesh became as healthy as a young child's, and he was healed!" (2 Kings 5:1-11 NLT)
Someone got cured of his leprosy - and his ego.
As mentioned earlier, yes, the Lord is willing to secure breakthroughs for His people. Breakthroughs come in stages. Not every issue is addressed with overnight miracles. Even when the victory is secured in the realm of the Spirit, it may take a while for it to be manifested in the realm of the physical. Come to think of it, a baby does not crawl out of the mother’s womb the day it is conceived. There is usually a nine-month period between conception and birth. Even before the baby is born, the expectant mother is usually full of joy and expectation as she advances through each stage of the natal trimesters. The household radiates with exuberance as a nursery is created and decorated while the baby is still in the womb and yet to be seen. The exuberance comes from the knowledge of the fact that each passing day that takes the expectant mother through each stage brings her closer to the day that the baby will eventually be manifested for her to hold in her arms. Of course, she knows that the baby is conceived and secured in her womb. The burden of pregnancy can take its toll on an expectant mother and cause her to be weary from time to time. Yet, she knows better than to succumb to the weariness because she knows that “for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV). She knows that even though it may take a while, the birth will take place in due season. Similar principle applies to the breakthroughs of a believer. Even when the victory is secured in the realm of the Spirit, it may take a while for it to be manifested in the realm of the physical. Take for instance Daniel:
2 When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three weeks. 3 All that time I had eaten no rich food or meat, had drunk no wine, and had used no fragrant oils. 4 On April 23, as I was standing beside the great Tigris River, 5 I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. 6 His body looked like a dazzling gem. From his face came flashes like lightning, and his eyes were like flaming torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice was like the roaring of a vast multitude of people.
7 I, Daniel, am the only one who saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. 8 So I was left there all alone to watch this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. 9 When I heard him speak, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.
10 Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. 11 And the man said to me, “O Daniel, greatly loved of God, listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling with fear.
12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia (Daniel 10:2-13 NLT)
Did that divine emissary just pointed out that “since the first day you began to pray ……. your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer” (Daniel 10:12 NLT)? Yet it took “twenty-one days” for the emissary who “have come in answer to your prayer” to manifest his presence. Good thing Daniel didn’t give up.
Let’s get back to the wall of Jericho where “they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed” (Joshua 6:20 NLT).
As mentioned earlier, the people’s shout is nothing but a mere gesture of faith in the Lord and obedience to Him. The same applies to Moses stretching out his hand over the sea – it has no direct bearing on the parting of the Red Sea. If Moses lifting his rod and stretching it over the sea is ‘nothing but a mere gesture of faith and obedience in the Lord’, what then is the actual explanation behind the astounding miracle?
15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Use your shepherd’s staff—hold it out over the water, and a path will open up before you through the sea. Then all the people of Israel will walk through on dry ground. ........ 21 Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water ....... (Exodus 14:15-16,21 NLT)
Please note the ‘division of labour’ in verse 21. When “Moses raised his hand over the sea”, “the LORD (not Moses) opened up a path through the water”. In other words, Moses’ gesture fulfilled his side of the deal / bargain / covenant. This led to the hand of God being moved in favour of His people. Does this remind you of another biblical ‘division of labour’ stated in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NLT?
6 My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. 7 The ones who do the planting or watering aren’t important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow.
21 (When) Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water ....... (Exodus 21 NLT)
Even the Egyptians had that figured out!
“Let’s get out of here!” the Egyptians shouted. “The LORD is fighting for Israel against us!” (Exodus 14:25 NLT)
Even without an extraordinary gift of discernment, “the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had displayed” (Exodus 14:31 NLT)
If the elegy for the parting of the Red Sea and the subsequent defeat of the mighty Egyptian army sounded like this
6 “Your right hand, O LORD,
is glorious in power.
Your right hand, O LORD, dashes the enemy to pieces.......
8 At the blast of your breath, the waters piled up!
The surging waters stood straight like a wall;
in the middle of the sea the waters became hard........
10 But with a blast of your breath,
the sea covered them.
They sank like lead
in the mighty waters.
11 “Who else among the gods is like you, O LORD?
Who is glorious in holiness like you—
so awesome in splendor,
performing such wonders? (Exodus 15:6,8,10-11 NLT)
Then an ode / requiem to the ‘great’ wall of Jericho might have sounded like this:
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the LORD splits the mighty cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf and Mount Hermon to leap like a young bull. 7 The voice of the LORD strikes with lightning bolts. 8 The voice of the LORD makes the desert quake; the LORD shakes the desert of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the LORD twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” (Psalm 29:4-9 NLT)
As they went about leaving no stone unturned in complying with the Lord’s directive, Joshua issued a stern warning: “Do not shout; do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!” (Joshua 6:10 NLT) Ever wondered why Joshua strictly cautioned the people about what they say / their choice of words as they comply with the Lord’s directives? The reason(s) is not far-fetched as can be deduced from the following excerpts culled from the topic OF FAITH, WORKS AND GOOD DEEDS:
There is a portion of the above scripture passage worth pointing out:
"We have the wood and the fire," said the boy, "but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?" (v. 7)
And what was Abraham's response?
"God will provide a lamb, my son," Abraham answered............" (v. 8)
And what action did they embark on after his verbal response?
"And they both went on together." (v. 8)
They kept going forward - just like he "departed as the LORD had instructed him" from Haran when he was 75 years old to a destination that is unknown to him - yet known to God (Genesis 12:4). Despite the obvious fact that his son pointed out: "but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?" Abraham did not hesitate to continue on the path of faith and obedience. He did not deny that there was no sacrificial animal in sight; yet the magnitude of his faith was revealed in the words that proceeded out of his mouth:
"God will provide a lamb, my son," Abraham answered"
It is stated: "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34 NKJV).
37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:37 NKJV).
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV)
"God will provide a lamb, my son," Abraham answered"
Well, let's see.
9 When they arrived at the place where God had told Abraham to go, he built an altar and placed the wood on it. Then he tied Isaac up and laid him on the altar over the wood. 10 And Abraham took the knife and lifted it up to kill his son as a sacrifice to the LORD. 11 At that moment the angel of the LORD shouted to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Yes," he answered. "I'm listening."
12 "Lay down the knife," the angel said. "Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld even your beloved son from me."
13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering on the altar in place of his son. 14 Abraham named the place "The LORD Will Provide." This name has now become a proverb: "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." (Genesis 22:9-14 NLT)
4 A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook. (Proverbs 18:4 NLT)
Furthermore
Talking about faith and action, the following scripture passages are eye openers:
25 After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned 26 to Moses, Aaron, and the people of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. 27 This was their report to Moses: "We arrived in the land you sent us to see, and it is indeed a magnificent country - a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is some of its fruit as proof. 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their cities and towns are fortified and very large. .......... 30 But Caleb tried to encourage the people as they stood before Moses. "Let's go at once to take the land," he said. "We can certainly conquer it!" 31 But the other men who had explored the land with him answered, "We can't go up against them! They are stronger than we are!" 32 So they spread discouraging reports about the land among the Israelites: "The land we explored will swallow up any who go to live there. All the people we saw were huge. 33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. We felt like grasshoppers next to them, and that's what we looked like to them!" (Numbers 13:25-33 NLT)
They obviously haven't heard of the David versus Goliath story. More reading on David versus Goliath can be found under BLESSINGS OF FAITHFULNESS.
The testimony of "the other men who had explored the land" (v. 31) was so 'wonderful' it actually failed to acknowledge the grace, mercy and power of the Lord for the past, present and future. So 'plausible' and 'commendable' was their report it clearly berated / understated the goodness of God (milk and honey) as can be tasted in "some of its fruit as proof" that the Lord made possible for them to bring from their exploration.
So they spread a false report among the Israelites about the land they had explored. They said, "That land doesn't even produce enough to feed the people who live there......" (Numbers 13:32 GNB)
As 'sincere' as they might have assumed they were with the wordings of their report, little did they realize that they had inadvertently insulted the Lord who is described as the "God, who calls you, is faithful; he will do this" (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NKJV)
Who can ever forget astounding deeds like the ten plagues that ravished the land of Egypt (Exodus chapters 7 to 12); the parting of the Red Sea, and the subduing of the mighty Egyptian army (Exodus 14); the defeat of the Amalekites(Exodus 17); the provision of manna from heaven, and water from dry rocks (Exodus 16 & 17); etc? Certainly, Jericho - like the rest of the surrounding nations - have heard about how awesome Jehovah God have proved to be on behalf of His people. They - like the rest of the surrounding nations - have come to realise that "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him" (Psalm 18:30 NKJV).
Furthermore
Let's continue with the story of Moses and Aaron, the people, and "the men who had gone with Caleb" and Joshua who "spread a false report" (Numbers 13:31,32 GNB)
32 So they spread discouraging reports about the land among the Israelites: "The land we explored will swallow up any who go to live there. All the people we saw were huge. 33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. We felt like grasshoppers next to them, and that's what we looked like to them!" (Numbers 13:32-33 NLT)
1 Then all the people began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. 2 Their voices rose in a great chorus of complaint against Moses and Aaron. "We wish we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!" they wailed. 3 "Why is the LORD taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and little ones will be carried off as slaves! Let's get out of here and return to Egypt!" 4 Then they plotted among themselves, "Let's choose a leader and go back to Egypt!" 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell face down on the ground before the people of Israel. 6 Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. 7 They said to the community of Israel, "The land we explored is a wonderful land! 8 And if the LORD is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey, and he will give it to us! 9 Do not rebel against the LORD, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don't be afraid of them!" 10 But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb. Then the glorious presence of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites from above the Tabernacle. 11 And the LORD said to Moses, "How long will these people reject me? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them? ............... 26 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 27 "How long will this wicked nation complain about me? I have heard everything the Israelites have been saying. 28 Now tell them this: 'As surely as I live, I will do to you the very things I heard you say. I, the LORD, have spoken! 29 You will all die here in this wilderness! Because you complained against me, none of you who are twenty years old or older and were counted in the census 30 will enter the land I swore to give you. The only exceptions will be Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31 " 'You said your children would be taken captive. Well, I will bring them safely into the land, and they will enjoy what you have despised. 32 But as for you, your dead bodies will fall in this wilderness. 33 And your children will be like shepherds, wandering in the wilderness forty years. In this way, they will pay for your faithlessness, until the last of you lies dead in the wilderness. 34 " 'Because the men who explored the land were there for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years - a year for each day, suffering the consequences of your sins. You will discover what it is like to have me for an enemy.' 35 I, the LORD, have spoken! I will do these things to every member of the community who has conspired against me. They will all die here in this wilderness!" 36 Then the ten scouts who had incited the rebellion against the LORD by spreading discouraging reports about the land 37 were struck dead with a plague before the LORD. 38 Of the twelve who had explored the land, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive (Numbers 14:1-38 NLT).
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV)
Joshua had to issue the stern warning “Do not shout; do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!” (Joshua 6:10 NLT) in order to avoid similar consequence as with the incident with the men who came with false report.
More often than not, - like Joshua - we encounter walls of Jericho in our lives and situations. These walls can be in the area of finances, matrimony / relationships, career, academics or spiritual life. And you have tried virtually everything to overcome these walls in the realm of the Spirit. You have almost exhausted all the weapons in your spiritual arsenal as mentioned in the following excerpt culled from the topic ONE WITH GOD:
Revelation / revelation knowledge – just like effective intercession – is one aspect of the ministry that is desirable and nice to have. But it is not without cost. It will cost you everything you’ve got. A significant portion of your time, devotion and lifestyle will be demanded or ‘tithed’. Constant prayer especially of praise and worship is imperative. More on praise and worship can be found under the topics PRAISE AND WORSHIP and THANKSGIVING.
Occasional fasting (be it as a habit or as occasion demands) will be needed as well. Just as tithing is not limited to financial resources, fasting is not limited to abstinence from food only. Fasting may take the form of abstinence from certain pleasures of the flesh for a period of time in order to spend time in His presence and seek His face. Of course, Jesus knows the significance of this:
18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; ......... 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:18-20,21 NKJV)
The walls appear impregnable. Penetrating through them seems frustrating and impossible. My friend, don’t call it quit yet. Though the obstacle before you is mighty, don’t forget the Almighty God is behind you. Hence, “it will fall flatten out before him!” Watch the mighty walls collapse before you as the Almighty One asserts His unmatchable authority and power. Hence, “No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you” (Joshua 1:5 NLT). And what’s more: “every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you” (Joshua 1:3 NKJV). As far as you and the walls of Jericho in your life are concerned, here is a relevant excerpt culled from the topic IN GOD WE TRUST! WHY WORRY?:
As you place your trust firmly in the Lord, avoid dwelling on your problems. It will only keep magnifying itself more than it really is. This is conducive to making ungodly moves, and decisions based on poor judgment. Rather than watch your crisis magnify itself, you take it upon yourself to continually magnify the Lord with praise and thanksgiving in the midst of it, and watch wonderful outcomes unfold. Remember the story of Paul and Silas?
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. 24 So he took no chances but put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. 25 Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. .......... 29 Trembling with fear, the jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 He brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with your entire household." 32 Then they shared the word of the Lord with him and all who lived in his household. 33 That same hour the jailer washed their wounds, and he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 Then he brought them into his house and set a meal before them. He and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. (Acts 16:22-34 NLT)
Avoid looking on and on at your not-so-pleasant circumstances / predicaments. Rather, look up to Jesus. He is the source of the solution to all your predicaments. Remember, circumstances that are beyond our control are all under His majestic control. Though the world look down on you, you take it upon yourself to keep "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV). The circumstances we go through do not decide the course of our destiny; rather because we trust in the Lord, we - like Paul and Silas - will govern those circumstances. Like Peter, we will walk on water - no matter how uncanny it may sound (Matthew 14:28-33). Even if you look ahead and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, do not despair. The Lord is still on the throne. Hence, you will rise and shine "for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising" (Isaiah 60:1-3 NKJV)
6 Then he said to me, “This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty. 7 Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will flatten out before him! ........’” (Zechariah 4:6,7 NLT)
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV)
.............. "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26 NKJV).
The Lord God Almighty seems to be saying: 'My people, continue to serve Me diligently, continue to love Me fervently, continue to obey Me. "For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV). Keep in mind that I did not bring you this far in order to disappoint you. I did not raise you up in order to let you down. "But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth" (Exodus 9:16 NKJV). Did I not promise to always uphold you with my right hand of righteousness? "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10 NLT). I am responsible for your prosperity, your miracle, and your well being. As your God and Father, I am responsible and responsive. It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in your way; it will flatten out before you! (Zechariah 4:6 & 7 NLT) For no one will succeed by strength alone (1 Samuel 2:9 NKJV). Faith takes care of the miracle. Patience will flow naturally out of your heart to keep you steady till the miracle manifest itself. Trust in Me and you will not regret it. Invest your trust in Me; even though you are the laughing stock today, eventually you will have the last laugh. "As it is written: Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame" (Romans 9:33 NKJV).
As mentioned earlier, regardless of the circumstances,
19 If you will only obey me and let me help you, then you will have plenty to eat. 20 But if you keep turning away and refusing to listen, you will be destroyed by your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!" (Isaiah 1:19-20 NLT)
When you invest your trust in God, He will go to any extent to ensure your miracle. Has it ever occurred to you how far the Lord is able and ready to go for the sake of his children? In a rather unprecedented move, He parted the Red Sea to ensure the safe passage of His people while He - at the same time - wiped out the Egyptians in order to protect His children. Similarly, in order to ensure your deliverance, He is able and willing to unleash catastrophe on the powers of darkness to the extent "that whoever hears of it, his ears will tingle" (Jeremiah 19:3 NKJV).
4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT)
4 For our weapons of warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, …….. (2 Corinthians 10:4,5 NKJV)
The Lord Jesus said, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be rooted up, (Matthew 15:13 NLT). Father God, I prayed that every wall that You Lord have not erect in the lives of Your people be pulled down right away in the name of Jesus. I ask, O Lord, that You give Your people the spiritual insight into what You expect of them in order that they may be able and willing to work hand in glove with You, and to be able to take each step with You at Your pace so that Your almighty power can burst through the obstacles in their lives like a raging flood in the name of Jesus. I ask, O Lord, that You arise on behalf of Your people and flatten the walls of Jericho in their lives in the name of Jesus. O Lord, I ask that You stretch forth Your right hand of victory and dash the walls of adversity to pieces in the name of Jesus.
God bless
Yours
Adekunle Majek’
HIAFEM
Of impact, quality & excellence
That’s the Spirit!
P.S. I believe the Lord has used this message to impart immense blessing on your life. Why not share it with others?
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