Small Things Bring Big Victories: Lessons from Joshua Chapter 6
Throughout history, there have been numerous accounts of unlikely victories achieved through seemingly insignificant actions. This week while reading my Bible, I read the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho in Joshua Chapter 6. I would like to share some of my thoughts about this miracle and the great victory that God gave to the Israelites.
A little background to set the scene, the kings of that area had heard the accounts on how God gave Israel victory over other kings and countries nearby. Their reputation preceded them. They just crossed the Jordan River, by the way on dry ground, and were near the city of Jericho. The people of Jericho went into a lock down. It was a well-fortified city with high walls, seemingly impregnable to any invading force. They closed the gates of the city and prepared for battle.
In Joshua Chapter 6, the Israelites faced a seemingly insurmountable obstacle in the fortified city of Jericho. Instead of launching a conventional attack, Joshua followed divine guidance. God instructed the Israelites to march around the city walls once a day for six days, with priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around seven times and shout loudly. Though this strategy may have seemed insignificant, it proved to be the key to victory. The walls of Jericho crumbled, and the Israelites conquered the city.
In Joshua 6:2 we find this, “And the Lord said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor.” In other words, God is giving Jericho to Israel. Then gives him the instruction on how to accomplish this.
Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, received divine instructions on how to conquer Jericho. The strategy seemed counterintuitive and unconventional: the Israelite army was to march around the city once every day for six consecutive days, with seven priests carrying seven trumpets before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, and upon hearing a long blast from the trumpets, the people were to shout with a great shout. The results… the walls of Jericho fell down and the Israelites attack from all sides giving them complete victory.
At first glance, the Israelites’ instructions might have seemed insignificant and futile. Marching around the city without engaging in any physical combat seemed illogical. However, it was precisely these small, repetitive actions that carried immense significance. They symbolized the Israelites’ complete reliance on God’s power and their obedience to His commands. It taught them the value of perseverance, faith, and trust in the face of seemingly impossible challenges.
The Role of Faith: The Israelites’ obedience and faith played a crucial role in their ultimate victory. Despite the apparent lack of a direct correlation between their actions and victory, they trusted in God’s promise to deliver Jericho into their hands. Their faith was not in their own strength or military tactics but in the power and faithfulness of God.
The story emphasizes the power of faith in accomplishing great things. Hebrews 11:30 affirms, “By faith, the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.” This verse underscores the significance of unwavering trust in God’s guidance. It reveals that faith, even in seemingly irrational or insignificant actions, can lead to remarkable outcomes.
In our life’s today, many times God will ask us to do something. We may feel this so small and insignificant and say, “what does it matter if I do it or not.” It’s like we know more than our God. The lesson from these verses teaches us is that sometimes it is the small things, the seemingly insignificant actions, that can bring about immense triumphs.
As the Israelites followed God’s instructions doing the insignificant actions, they experienced a miracle. On the seventh day, when the people shouted after the seventh lap, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites rushed in and conquered the city.
In Conclusion… This lesson from Joshua Chapter 6 resonates in today’s world. They remind us that success is not always contingent upon overwhelming force or grand gestures. Instead, it highlights the significance of consistent faith, obedience, and perseverance in achieving our goals. It teaches us to trust in God’s guidance, even when His instructions seem unconventional or insignificant. Furthermore, it encourages us to appreciate the power of small acts, as they have the potential to bring about significant change and transformation in our lives and communities.
In closing let me ask, are you facing an insurmountable obstacle in your life. Like the walls of Jericho, this obstacle can fall under your feet. Listen and follow God’s instructions and then to trust and obey.
This starts with a relationship with God. So, how’s your relationship with God? He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins so we can have a relationship with Him. It is through God’s grace and by our faith in His Son, we can enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
Maybe you have never had a relationship with God. Or maybe you have fallen away and need to renew your relationship with God and get the peace you once had. If so, please take the time now and pray…tomorrow maybe too late.
Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and arose from the grave. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and in Romans 10:9 tells us, ”that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;“
If you would like for me to pray with you, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentPromises.com.
May God Bless and Keep! Bob.
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place where we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
