Topic: Divine Battle Plan
Text: Joshua 6:1-27
Key verse:
And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.
God always keeps his promises to his people, even his covenant to many generations never fail. He made a promise to the children of Israel to take them to a Land of Milk and Honey and that promise came to pass, but not without battles.
Every step in the journey to the Promised Land the Lord gave a strategy to the leader on how to fight and win the battle. Sometimes, the instructions did not make human sense or was contrary to human experience, but every time they believed and obeyed, they had the victory.
Today, we see in our text, God’s supernatural battle plan to overcome Jericho and its impregnable walls. This strategy did not come until the people had passed through their Gilgal, a place of circumcision.
Circumcision is the sign of the covenant relationship between God and Abraham ,this covenant was passed on to his descendants the Jews. A covenant is simply a binding agreement between two people, it has responsibilities and benefits for both parties. Do you have a covenant with God or you are just following the crowd?
Several children had been born to the Jews in the wilderness who did not know this covenant or understand their responsibilities, so God commanded every man to make a profession of their faith in him by obeying the requirement of circumcision. It was after that, God sent the Captain of his army to lead them in battle.
When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” 14 “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” Joshua 5:13-14
In spiritual warfare just like in military warfare, every army must have a commander, soldiers don’t do things how and when they like, they submit to the General commander.
When we are in a covenant relationship with God, he takes over our battles, we must recognize his presence and be willing to submit to his leadership. Many Christians just run ahead of God, relying on the previous strategies that worked for others.
You must be ready to obey God without questioning because divine strategies are mysterious in working.
In our text, God commanded the men of war to march round the city without a word for six days, and on the seventh day to make a loud noise. This strategy was never heard of before and subjecting it to analysis would have proved futile. As they obeyed the word of the Lord, it worked and the massive walls came down giving the Jews the opportunity to fight and posses Jericho.
Many believers don’t want to fight at all, they don’t want to subdue the flesh or its desires at all. Keeping silent when you feel like talking or shouting is also part of the battle. Showing love to your enemies when you should curse or kill them is part of warfare. David saw one of those who raided their homes in Ziklag, he showed him kindness, the same man gave them information that led them to the hideout of their enemies.
Trust in God and his ways, he will not put you to shame as he did not put Joshua to shame, obey God’s commandments even if it looks stupid. God’s foolishness is still greater than man\’s wisdom.
God chooses methods that bring us victory but gives him glory. Is that too much to ask for?
Reappraise your battle strategy, who will take the glory in the end? How will your strategy advance God’s kingdom? Don’t think only of your personal benefit, think about the eternal consequences to you and your seed after you.
God is our source, that’s what the word says. His power in us gives us value, ability and victory not ourselves.
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Cor. 4:7
Let’s pursue divine battle strategies they never fail.
Roses&Thorns