Was Jericho a great military feat? Some say so. What did Israel do to accomplish such destruction? Really, nothing of their own physical might brought down those massive walls. It was God’s direction coupled with humble obedience that accomplished a great feat for the people of God (Josh. 6:3-5). Was this a case of works salvation or obedient faith (Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 4:3)?
What could have been left out of God’s plan? The order? The marching? The ram’s horn? What should have been added? Remember Achan added to God’s plan, and it was condemned by the Lord as the “accursed thing” (Josh. 7:13)? No adding to or taking from the plan of God is obedience. As faith is considered, it is the taking of God at His word. Very simple but a good basic definition of faith. By faith the walls of Jericho came down (Heb. 11:30).
Does God have a plan for victory today? Yes, and it initially begins with five steps. By hearing the word of God, one of honest and good heart (Luke 8:15) begins to believe (Rom. 10:17). Through the instruction of God’s word conviction of sin occurs and the need for repentance realized. With repentance one is called to make the good confession “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). It is that confession unto salvation (Rom. 10:10) that moves the obedient believer to be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). With proper obedience comes proper membership in the Lord’s church, added to His body by the Lord Himself (Acts 2:47). Humility is key. One must humble themselves to the obedience of the word of God. Faithful living is required (James 2:10; 5:19-20). What steps may be left out, or what may be added to the word of God (Rev. 22:18-19)? By Faith the walls of sin crumble (Eph. 2:8-9).
Will you avoid death and the judgment? No, death is an appointment all will keep (Heb. 9:27). It is after death that judgement comes and “all” will stand before the Lord “the righteous Judge” (II Tim. 4:8). At the judgment there is an accounting of the things done in this life and a reward or punishment given (II Cor. 5:10). This is of necessity when dealing with a righteous judge (Rev. 20:12). It is by faith that the walls of death are destroyed (I Cor. 15:55).
Many try to confuse the simple plan of God, but that’s not looked on lightly by Him (I Cor. 14:33). God cannot be tempted neither does He tempt anyone (James 1:13). He has revealed His plan and expects men and women to humbly obey, but this seems difficult for many (Matt. 7:14). If one overcomes the battle of sin by the Word of God through obedient faith, what has he/she done to earn eternal salvation? Just what Israel of old did to earn Jericho. Without obedient faith the walls of Jericho would not have come down, and without obedient faith the walls of sin and death will not come down today. Salvation belongs to the Lord (Psa. 3:8). When the walls come tumbling down, one may truly sing “O happy day!”
David Hill
Northeast Church of Christ bulletin August 6, 2023
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