Steven A. Bush - October 29, 2023
And the Walls Came Tumbling Down
OT Jericho was one of the oldest cities on earth, an oasis built around natural springs. Scholars believe it was an imposing fortress with walls 25 feet high and 20 feet thick in certain places. Enemies could be spotted approaching from miles away. But was Jericho invincible? That notion never even crossed God's mind. Joshua 6:1-2 fills us in: "Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the LORD said to Joshua, 'See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor.'" (ESV) Joshua's being asked to SEE what's not obvious! There's a name for that. It's called Faith. Hebrews 11:1 says: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (ESV) So did Joshua and the Israelites possess faith in God for this conquest? Hebrews 11:30 has the answer: "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days." (ESV) What walls built by man can withstand Almighty God? What weapons can thwart Him? What armies can stop Him? When did He ever meet defeat? What arguments has He lost or will He ever lose? What accusations against His character will ever stand? Who or what can move Him? Who or what can stop Him? There is none either way! Blessed are those who are on the side of God!
Scripture References: Joshua 6:1-25, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:30