DAY 218- BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR - THE LAND
Reading: Joshua 6:1-27; 2 Corinthians 4: 7
Although it took them fourty years, there was eventually a remnant of God’s people who crossed over into the promised land.
Today’s focus is on Jericho, the first fruits of the Promised Land. The LORD miraculously enabled Israel to conquer Jericho. The story of Jericho's destruction seems barbaric and cruel but we must not forget that the LORD had had patience, for 400 years, with the detestable practices of the Canaanites. Their sins had now reached full measure and He was using Israel to be His instrument of judgment. Israel was lead by Joshua and more importantly the Commander of the LORD's armies (possibly the Angel of the LORD and pre-incarnate Christ). The Commander of the LORD’s armies wielded a sword (5:13), for He came to fight the LORD'S battle against sinful Jericho.
Israel was in a difficult situation; they were not soldiers and yet they were up against a fortified Jericho, and they were not trained to deal with this kind of opponent in battle. However, the LORD was the One who delivered the city into their hands. Marching the Ark around a city once a day for 6 days, and then 7 times on the 7th day while blowing trumpets and eventually shouting was a rather unusual battle plan. The message here is clear-the battle is the LORD'S! The significance of the Ark is that it symbolised God's presence in the midst of his people.
God’s presence makes all the difference in every battle we face. Our enemies will be surprised to see us victorious because to them we look weak. That’s because the overwhelming power comes from God and not from us (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Prayer:
Dear Father, we are reminded today that the battle is Yours. May we give You the firstfruits of our lives in thanks for all Your grace in our lives. Amen
FOR THE FAMILY
Explain
Briefly explain today’s devotion in an age-appropriate way then watch some videos about the battle of Jericho.