2011-10-15 - Patience ~ Joshua

Patience Series ~ Part 6

After Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, he approached the city of Jericho, which was a Canaanite stronghold. Joshua was scouting the land ahead of his army. Outside of Jericho, Joshua encountered another warrior. This man explained that he was the commander of the army of the Lord. Joshua 5:14 tells us that "Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence." (NIV) The Lord's commander told Joshua that this was holy ground. The Lord then gave Joshua instructions on how he was to capture Jericho.

The Lord told Joshua to march his warriors around the city walls of Jericho once a day for six days. Then on the seventh day, Joshua was to march his men around Jericho seven times and blow the trumpet after the final round. Joshua passed along these instructions to the priests and the army.

Joshua had just led the Israelites into Canaan. The Lord had guided them into the Promised Land. They seemed invincible. Why wait? Why march around the city of Jericho instead of taking it at once, by force?

Jericho demonstrated both submission and patience by following the Lord's instructions. As the military leader, Joshua could have shown his power by storming the city gates. But Joshua waited and followed God's orders.

We find, in Joshua 6:15-20, that the Israelites followed God's orders to the letter. After the seventh circle of the city, the trumpets blew, and the walls crumbled. The Israelites charged into the city of Jericho and conquered it. Joshua and the Israelites obeyed God, demonstrated patience, and were successful.

What can we learn from the fall of Jericho? We should listen to God's instructions. We should submit to His guidance. We should be patient when waiting. Then we should act boldly.

 Richard
http://www.cfdevotionals.org