Strategy
In our last lesson, we discussed entering new places and adopting new ways. Joshua led the Israelites into a new day, burying their old identity in the flood of the Jordan. God wanted them to remember His guidance and celebrate the fact that their shame had been "rolled away." Joshua stood as their God-appointed leader.
Crossing into their Promise Land was amazing, but a new challenge awaited—one that looked even more daunting than the last: The city of Jericho.
Jericho was built thousands of years before Joshua was born and was one of the oldest cities in the world. In some sections, its fortified walls were up to 25 feet high and 20 feet thick. Soldiers on guard could see for miles. Jericho was the ultimate symbol of military power; the Canaanites considered it invincible.
To overcome this, there had to be—and there was—a Supernatural Supreme Strategy.
Joshua 6:1: Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in.
1. SHUT UP
Sometimes our situations seem "shut up" with no answer, and sometimes we, as individuals, simply need to "shut up." Both were true here. While God’s people had a right to rejoice after crossing the Jordan, it was now time to receive new instructions for the battle ahead. They had to listen to every detail.
A. The “CLOSED” Gate: The gates of Jericho were bolted and barred and shut up. Perhaps you feel the door you need to walk through is currently bolted. You might think, "I need to be on the other side, but there is no way in."
B. The Power of Silence: This may be the time to "shut up"—to be quiet and listen. God often allows us to face situations where we must depend totally on Him. He made it undeniably clear that this wall could only be conquered through Him and their obedience. While we try to "figure out" a human answer to move our mountains, His directions are often different—and always right.
2. SEE IT
Joshua 5:13-14: 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?” “Neither one,” he replied, “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.”
God will always "show up." He is ready to help us conquer whatever stands in our way.
A. Divine Command: This was an angel of superior rank—the Commander of the Lord’s Army. Some believe this was a theophany (an appearance of God in human form). He was about to give Joshua a strategy that was both supernatural and, by human standards, illogical.
B. Subordinate Leadership: Joshua was the leader of Israel, yet he remained subordinate to God, the True Leader. Joshua removed his sandals in reverence. We show our respect through our attitudes and actions.
C. The Promise of Victory: Joshua was told, "I have given the king and mighty warriors into your hands." To the natural eye, the walls were still standing, but Joshua chose to see by faith.
D. Faith Sees the Unseen: Nothing had changed physically, but God gave Joshua a promise to rest his faith upon. We must remember we have an enemy, but he is already defeated by Christ (Romans 8:37-39; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8).
E. Trusting the Strategy: The priests carried the Ark—not weapons—at the front of the line. This strange maneuver was a test of faith. They could not lean on their own military might; they had to lean on God. God is the only one we can lean on.
What do you see by faith?
3. SHOUT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT
In a supernatural strategy, everyone must be "all in." There is no room for partial obedience.
A. Follow Instructions Exactly: Joshua 6:8-10 details the order: the priests with rams' horns, the Ark, and the armed men. Joshua commanded total silence: "Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!" They marched in silence for six days.
B. The War Cry: On the seventh day, they circled the city seven times. When the horns blasted, Joshua commanded, "Shout! For the Lord has given you the town." (Joshua 6:15-20). When they shouted, the walls collapsed.
There are times we realize “enough is enough” and we get very serious with our “war cry”. I have seen God perform miracles when He saw I was desperate. I was so serious and I would not retreat but stand in faith for victory.
C. Faith Manifested: Imagine finally seeing with your physical eyes what you had already seen by faith. The thick walls crumbled, and the enemy was destroyed. Only Rahab and her household survived. God had the plan and, in his timing, he brought the victory.
D. A Purpose for Every Strategy: God’s judgment against Jericho was a removal of a "stronghold of rebellion." It was a "surgical strike" to keep His people's faith uncontaminated. He sees today and what needs to happen for generations to come. We are a part of that plan!
CONCLUSION
Jericho had physical walls, but our "walls" can take many forms: doubt, fear, or any "high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God" (2 Cor. 10:3-5). The carnal mind is often opposed to the ways of God (Romans 8:7).
Your "walled city" might be a God-given assignment that looks impossible or "shut up forever." See it with eyes of faith. Be consistent in your spiritual warfare and your praise. Nothing is too big or too impossible for God. He has a Supernatural Supreme Strategy.
Reflection Questions:
What is the "wall" you are currently facing?
What has God said about this situation that you can think on, speak, and believe?
Are you willing to take His plan and step out in obedience?