The Wall
Key: Blue=Bible, Red= Author notes
Hebrews 11:30 (NIV)
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
Hello World!
By the time this post is published, by God’s grace, I would have successfully retaken my Step 2CK. I will say that I feel more prepared than the first time, but at the same time, I know I’m not comfortable in my knowledge. There was much more progress I could have gotten done during these last couple of months. Honestly, this 4th year has been the easiest year of workload but had the most ups and downs. Medical school has literally been a roller-coaster, but this school year has had the most loops, twists, and turns. I am looking forward to finishing, by God’s grace, but I also know that the end of medical school, is just the beginning. Exciting… And I wish a Happy Holidays to all this season!
Today we pick up with the famous story of the Walls of Jericho. A lot has happened from the crossing of the Red Sea to the Walls of Jericho: Moses has passed away, a whole generation of Israelites passed away, and Joshua became the new leader of the Israelites. As they entered the new land that God had prepared to give them, they had a similar Red Sea miracle, as they crossed the Jordan. And eventually they came to the Wall of Jericho.
Joshua 5:13-15
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Before he reaches Jericho, a commander of the Lord’s army arrives to speak with Joshua. There are many examples all throughout the old testament of how God reveals himself or his message to us humans. Here he reveals himself with a man with a drawn sword. Notice how God is neither for the Israelites or for the enemy of the Israelites but represents God and God only. I believe this gives us a hint to understanding God more. God does not have favorites, but it can easily be said that Israel is God’s favorite people! That is not true! Israel is God’s chosen people, but he shows his love (and anger) to all. Also notice the sandals line! Sounds familiar? Exodus 3:5
God speaks to Joshua about what he must do in order to take over Jericho. I highly recommend reading all of Joshua 6 before continuing on in this blog. He gives specific instructions on what he must do to take this kingdom over and there are many parallels we can see in this chapter that reflects our lives today. The first thing that God says is that Jericho has already been delivered into the hands of the Israelites, along with their king and their fighting men. This is one of the main points I want to highlight in this chapter.
I have been writing about these people and events highlighted in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11, but what is faith? If you do not have a firm conviction yet, please study it out, as faith is essential to all walks for Christians. Please read James 2:14-26, here it clearly states that faith without works is dead. They go hand in hand. Faith is made perfect through works. Notice how each and every faith event highlighted in Hebrews 11 was associated with works!
In the biblical account of the wall of Jericho, God has ordered Joshua and the Israelites to circle around the wall and blow their trumpets once per day for 6 days. Then on the 7th day, Joshua and the Israelites must circle the wall 7 times, and when they blow the trumpets on the 7th lap and yell, the walls will finally come down. The battle was already won before the fighting even started, all they had to do was do their part. This same theme is seen in all aspects of our life.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
In our life, we will face many challenges, many tests to the faith we hold so closely to us. But, please understand this, the battle is already won. God has showed his faithfulness in upholding his promises all throughout history, and even today. Here are some scriptures to help encourage you when you are entering a battle. But remember, God has already won!
John 16:33=>I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
2 Chronicles 20:17=>You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
1 John 4:4 =>Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Romans 8:31=>What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Philippians 4:19=>And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
With love,
Ayodeji Alaketu
