The Walls Fell Down
Today's Verse:
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. ~Hebrews 11:30
One verse summarizes one of the most incredible feats ever accomplished. Hebrews 11:30 summarizes the entire account of how the walls of Jericho were taken down in Joshua 6. Two words tell us the secret of this great accomplishment: by faith! Those walls did not fall down by the use of earth-moving equipment, explosive devices, or battering rams. These walls came down because of the faith of Joshua and the Israelites. This morning, let us see what faith did for Joshua and what it can do for you!
We see the insurmountable obstacle.
The first thing we see about the wall of Jericho is that it “was straitly shut up.” The city was considered the most fortified city in that area. Jericho was known for having two walls: an outer retaining wall and an inner wall. There was a steep incline that separated the two walls. The outer wall was 12-15 feet in height, and it was not considered easily scalable. The inner wall was 46 feet beyond the outer wall and further up the incline. If it was possible for an adversary to scale that outer wall, he would still have the task of also getting past the inner wall. The inner wall was 6 feet thick and 20-26 feet in height. These walls picture the obstacles of life. These are the obstacles that appear unscalable. These are the obstacles that shut us out of opportunity and advancement. These are the obstacles that, by their sheer size and strength, appear out of reach to us.
We see the infallible oath.
In spite of this obstacle, God gave to Joshua and the Israelites His oath and promise. “See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.” God told Joshua, “I have given you the city, its sovereign, and its soldiers.” Faith can thrive because we have the promises of God. These promises are the pledge of a faithful Friend. These promises give us the means by which God gives us the advantage that we need. These promises are the guarantee for ability, accomplishment, and victory. God’s Word gives us light, hope, and direction for our faith.
We see the incumbent obligation.
Joshua and Israel were given a command to circle the city for seven days. They were given instruction for an organized procession consisting of seven priests with trumpets of rams' horns in their hand with the men of war and the Ark of the Covenant. The priests would blow the trumpet as they marched around the city. On the seventh day, they were to circle the city seven times, and as the trumpets were being blown, the men of war were to shout. What they were told to do seemed so out of the ordinary and had no reason to it. However, faith is always preceded by obedience. Joshua and the Israelites had to obey what God told them to do. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. God blesses a faith that is completely obedient.
We see the incredible operation.
The walls came down flat. What is remarkable is that the outer wall fell down in such a way that the wall fragments served as stepping stones that the Israelites could walk on as they ascended up towards the city. These walls, once assumed as impregnable, fell down flat and the city was taken. God was the One Who brought those walls down. There was external or natural influences that brought those walls down. Those walls came down supernaturally and in such a way that those within and those without could testify that God did the impossible.
Faith in God’s power can take down the walls in your life that are keeping you from going forward. Don’t look at the walls and give up. Lift your eyes to Heaven, and see the impossible that God can do.
Have a faith-enriched God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 42-44
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