The Battle of Jericho: Starting from Victory, Walking in Faith

The Battle of Jericho: Starting from Victory, Walking in Faith

Have you ever faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable? A problem so big it felt like you were staring at the impenetrable walls of an ancient city? The story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho offers profound insights for our modern struggles, reminding us that with God, victory is already assured – we just need to walk it out in faith.

The Promised Land and a Formidable Obstacle

Imagine the scene: The Israelites have just crossed the Jordan River, miraculously walking on dry land as God held back the waters. They've renewed their covenant with God, celebrated Passover, and are ready to claim the Promised Land. But there's a problem – Jericho. This mighty city with its double walls, each six feet thick, stands as the first major obstacle to their God-given inheritance.

It's easy to relate to the mixture of excitement and trepidation the Israelites must have felt. How many times have we experienced a spiritual high, only to be confronted with what looks like an impossible situation? We cross our personal "Jordan," full of faith, only to find ourselves face-to-face with our own "Jericho."

A Surprising Battle Plan

God's instructions to Joshua for conquering Jericho seem, quite frankly, bizarre. March around the city once a day for six days, with priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant and blowing rams' horns. On the seventh day, march seven times, give a mighty shout, and the walls will fall. No siege engines, no battering rams, no conventional military strategy – just walking, waiting, and trusting.

This unorthodox approach highlights a crucial spiritual principle: The Lord's battles are fought from victory and carried out by faith. God declares to Joshua, "Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its best soldiers over to you" (Joshua 6:2). The victory is already secured; the Israelites simply need to act in obedience and faith to see it manifested.

Starting from Victory

Too often, we approach our challenges with the mindset that we need to struggle and strive to achieve victory. But the empty tomb of Jesus Christ changes everything. Because of His resurrection, we start from a position of victory. As Colossians 2:15 declares, speaking of Christ's work on the cross: "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him."

This profound truth means:

1. We are not responsible for the final victory – it's already accomplished.
2. Our spiritual enemies no longer need to paralyze us with fear.
3. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us.

Walking It Out in Faith

While victory is assured, we still have a role to play. The Israelites had to march, blow the horns, and shout. Similarly, we are called to "carry out the duties of faithful soldiers." Our faith is the bridge that connects the promised victory to our present reality.

The details of Jericho's conquest offer valuable lessons in cultivating and expressing this faith:

1. The Presence of God: The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, was central to the procession. This reminds us that inviting God's presence into our situations is crucial. Where are you facing "Jericho walls" in your life? Have you invited God's presence into those areas?

2. Worship Before the Battle: The marching and trumpet-blowing can be seen as acts of worship. Like Abraham, who "went to worship" as he faced the heart-wrenching task of sacrificing Isaac (Genesis 22:5), we're called to worship God before we see the victory manifested.

3. Recognizing Our Limitations: Walking around the massive walls day after day likely reinforced the impossibility of the task through human means. This teaches us to rely fully on God's power rather than our own abilities or strategies.

4. The Discipline of Silence: The Israelites were commanded to remain silent until the final shout. This emphasizes the importance of controlling our words and learning when to speak and when to be still before God.

5. Celebration in Advance: The use of rams' horns (associated with the Year of Jubilee) instead of military trumpets signified that this was already a victory parade. Do we have the faith to celebrate what God has promised, even before we see it?

Facing Our Personal Jerichos

The walls of Jericho fell "by faith" (Hebrews 11:30). Whatever seemingly insurmountable obstacles we face – whether relational conflicts, health challenges, financial difficulties, or spiritual strongholds – the principles remain the same. We start from the victory Christ has already won, and we walk it out in faith-filled obedience to God's leading.

This doesn't mean the path will always be easy or make sense to our natural minds. The Israelites probably felt foolish marching in silence day after day. But as Philip Brooks wisely said, "Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks."

As we face our own "Jericho moments," let's remember:

1. God's presence is the key to our victory. Invite Him into every situation.
2. Worship and thanksgiving should precede and accompany our battles.
3. Our limitations highlight God's unlimited power.
4. There's a time to be silent and still before God, listening for His guidance.
5. Faith celebrates the promise before seeing the fulfillment.

The story of Jericho challenges us to see our obstacles differently. Instead of sources of fear or discouragement, they become opportunities for God to display His glory and power. The walls that look impossible to us are nothing to Him.

So, what are the "walls of Jericho" in your life right now? How might God be calling you to walk in faith, even if His instructions seem unconventional? Remember, the victory is already yours in Christ. Your job is simply to march around those walls, blow the trumpet of praise, and get ready to give a mighty shout of triumph. The walls will fall – not by your strength, but by the power of the living God who goes before you.