Mustard Seed Thoughts #8

In Joshua 6:26 (Message), it says “

Cursed before God is the man who sets out to rebuild this city of Jericho. He will pay for the foundation with his firstborn son, he will pay for the gates with his youngest son." This was the closing remark after the children of Israel had taken the city of Jericho. After they had crossed the Jordan, they were about to enter their Promised Land. It was before them. Perhaps at this point, they were full of apprehension and anticipation. Finally, it was happening. At times we too feel the butterflies in our stomachs when we are about to meet something unpleasant or challenging because we do not know what lies ahead. We move with caution as there may be full of surprises around the bend.

The children of Israel had no experiences in taking any city or even had any great victories in battles up to this point. Yet God addressed them as ‘all you man of war’. (Josh 6:3) What? They had not even carried any weapons before. Perhaps a broom, a frying pan or a farmer’s fork! Before that, God promised them ‘

See..I have given Jericho into your hand, its king and the mighty men of valor.’ (Josh 6:2) Let’s see now: the mighty men of war will battle with the mighty men of valor. A real fight! This is how we feel when we encounter impregnable walls before us: challenges that overwhelm us even before we begin to think of how to overcome them. We cry defeat before we even dare to attempt something. Yet, we believers are called ‘man of war’. In other words, we are expected to ‘fight it out’. If you remember prior to the journey into the Promised Land, the Commander of the army of the Lord stood before Joshua with a drawn sword…He was ready to do battle for them. (Josh 5:13,14) The promise of the Lord to go before us and to do battle for us is still available today.

However, to take hold of this promise, Joshua was asked to honor the Lord. He fell on his face and worshipped. (Josh 5:14) That was the key. When we face our battles, are we conscious of the ‘presence of the Lord’ with us? Do we see Him with us as we go through life’s challenges and uncertainties? How? Worship: Invite and carry the presence of the Lord – this has to go before us if we want to overcome. When they saw Jericho’s strong fortress, they knew they were coming up against something big. What is the battle strategy? None. Where are the consultants, advisors and experts in warfare that we need to devise a battle plan? None. Just a simple instruction from God: “March, carry the ark (presence of the Lord) and blow the trumpets (worship). That’s it!

Go 6 times round the walls for the first 6 days and on the 7^th day, march 7 times...one more thing: get ready your vocal chords for you are going to shout! I mean shout! It is the sound of victory. Declare that you have already won! Watch and see the victory”.

Notice that the ark had to go first, then the priests and guards were included to go with the group: both front and back. (Josh 6:9) The guards were there to ensure protection ‘from all sides’ and to be vigilant at all times. After a victory, we usually let down our guard and take our relief. The above verse refers to a beginning: foundation and an ending: gate. When a building is being constructed, we start with the foundation and it is completed with the gate. In other words, there must not be any loopholes when the enemy is vanquished. Do not allow any vulnerability on our part to be attacked again. Stay on guard and be vigilant at all times. Do not allow the enemy to rebuild its forces and attack again. Let’s see the victories but also let’s watch our backs to ensure that the victory is secured permanently….all you man/woman of war! See the ark (presence of God) going ahead of you.