November 13, 2024

Joshua 6:15-21  (HCSB)
15 Early on the seventh day, they started at dawn and marched around the city seven times in the same way. That was the only day they marched around the city seven times. 16 After the seventh time, the priests blew the trumpets, and Joshua said to the people, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city. 17 But the city and everything in it are set apart to the Lord for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and everyone with her in the house will live, because she hid the men we sent. 18 But keep yourselves from the things set apart, or you will be set apart for destruction. If you take any of those things, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster on it.
19 For all the silver and gold, and the articles of bronze and iron, are dedicated to the Lord and must go into the Lord’s treasury.” 20 So the people shouted, and the trumpets sounded. When they heard the blast of the trumpet, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. The people advanced into the city, each man straight ahead, and they captured the city. 21 They completely destroyed everything in the city with the sword—every man and woman, both young and old, and every ox, sheep, and donkey.

Sandra Long
This passage is packed with life lessons, and this week we’re focusing on one: Obedience leads to victory. On the seventh day the Israelites rose early, and quietly began their march around the city. However, today was different, for they would repeat this march seven times. Finally, at Joshua’s command “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city,” the walls of Jericho came crashing down! God’s ways are higher than our ways. His power is far greater than anything we can comprehend. When we act in faith and follow His direction, even if it seems unconventional, God’s power moves in ways we never imagined. Today, think about your “Jericho”; seek God’s guidance, trust His plan, and obey.