Joshua 6:1

New Living Translation

Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in.

For Meditation

Jericho is fortified and shut against the rag-tag army of Israel. They do not know what to do. The Commander of the Army of the LORD rolls out His battle formation. They march around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they go around it seven times. The priests blow their trumpets. The army shouts, and the massive Jericho wall falls flat. Israel takes the city, and fear grips Canaan (Joshua 6:2-5, 20). That is the power of Jehovah – our Savior and Lord. 

Life is sometimes like that. What stands between us, and the blessings of God seems so indomitable that we tremble with fear and look for an escape door. In times like that, we have an option. We can forget about God and do our own thing or wait on Him for strength and boldness to confront our Jericho Wall for a miracle. We have the example of Saul and David to warm and encourage.

Saul cowered before the Philistine army, which numbered like the sand on the seashore, and its charioteers (1 Samuel 13:5-8). His soldiers deserted him, so he did the unthinkable. Saul took the matter into his hands and left God out, losing everything for himself and his family (13-14). If only he had waited for the Lord! (10, 13).

David, in contrast, saw Goliath through the eyes of the Lord. He knew the sword and spear of the Philistine giant who had intimidated Israel for days was no match against the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel (17:45-47). His faith carried the day in the Valley of Elah (48-50).

So, what is your Jericho Wall today? Who is your Goliath? In whose name do you go out today against the giants and hindrances of this world?

Are you in the camp of Jehovah Sabaoth? Then take heart, for He will certainly show up with His battle plan and formation to give you victory (Jos. 5:14; 1 Sam. 1&:45). Amen!