The Power of Obedience: Unlocking God’s Promises
In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, how do we tap into the power of God’s promises? The story of Joshua and the fall of Jericho offers profound insights into this question, revealing the transformative impact of obedience and faith in our spiritual journey.
Imagine standing before the imposing walls of Jericho – a fortified city, sealed tight against intruders. The Israelites, fresh from their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, now faced this formidable obstacle. But God had a plan, one that would challenge conventional wisdom and military strategy.
God’s instructions to Joshua were, to say the least, unconventional. March around the city once a day for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, circle the city seven times, then have the priests blow their trumpets and the army shout. This was not a typical battle plan, but it was God’s plan.
This scenario highlights a crucial spiritual truth: God’s ways are often not our ways. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
In our own lives, we frequently encounter situations where God’s guidance seems counterintuitive. We may be tempted to rely on our own understanding, to forge ahead with plans that make sense to us. But the story of Jericho challenges us to trust in God’s wisdom, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations.
The Israelites’ obedience to God’s unusual instructions demonstrates a profound truth: true faith is manifested in action. They didn’t just believe God’s promise; they acted on it. Each step around Jericho was an act of faith, a declaration of trust in God’s plan.
This obedience wasn’t just about following rules; it was an expression of love. Jesus himself said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Our obedience to God is a tangible demonstration of our love and trust in Him. It’s in this obedience that we position ourselves to witness God’s power at work.
The fall of Jericho’s walls was spectacular, but it was preceded by days of faithful obedience. Often, we want to see the miracle before we’re willing to obey. But true faith obeys first, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His time and His way.
This principle extends beyond ancient biblical narratives into our daily lives. Whether we’re facing challenges in our relationships, careers, health, or spiritual growth, the path to victory often begins with obedience to God’s leading – even when it doesn’t make immediate sense to us.
However, the story of Jericho also presents us with a challenging aspect of God’s character. The destruction of the city and its inhabitants can be difficult to reconcile with our understanding of a loving God. It’s important to approach these passages with humility, recognizing that God’s perspective encompasses a broader view of history and humanity’s relationship with Him.
This event demonstrates God’s commitment to holiness and His opposition to evil. The Canaanites had long engaged in practices that were abhorrent to God, including child sacrifice. God’s judgment on Jericho was not arbitrary but a response to persistent rebellion and wickedness.
Yet, even in judgment, we see God’s mercy. Rahab and her family were spared because of her faith and actions in protecting the Israelite spies. This reminds us that God always provides a way of escape, a path to redemption for those who turn to Him.
The concept of complete devotion to God, as seen in the destruction of Jericho, challenges us to examine our own lives. While we’re not called to physical warfare, we are engaged in a spiritual battle. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
In this context, what does victory look like in our lives? It’s not about material success or worldly achievements. True victory is found in holiness – in becoming more like Christ. It’s about surrendering our will to God’s, dying to our selfish desires, and living for Him.
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25). This paradox lies at the heart of Christian living – in losing our life for Christ, we find true life.
The fall of Jericho teaches us that the distance between God’s promise and His miracle is often bridged by our obedience. It’s in the daily acts of faith, the consistent choice to follow God’s leading, that we position ourselves to see His power at work.
As we reflect on this powerful story, let’s consider our own lives. Are there areas where God is calling us to step out in faith? Are there “walls” in our lives that seem insurmountable? Remember, with God, nothing is impossible. Our part is to trust, obey, and watch as He works.
Let’s cultivate a heart of humility and repentance, always ready to align our lives with God’s will. As we do, we may find that the greatest miracles aren’t external events, but the internal transformation that occurs as we become more like Christ.
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, the story of Jericho reminds us that our God is faithful. He keeps His promises, and He invites us to participate in His divine plan. Through our obedience, we not only witness His power but become channels through which His love and grace can flow to others.
May we, like Joshua and the Israelites, have the courage to obey God’s voice, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. For it’s in this obedience that we’ll see the walls in our lives come tumbling down, and experience the victory that only God can bring.
This blog is created from my sermon at Heart Church. You can listen to the full message here
PS DAN CRONIN 