Reading the scripture over many times in many years, I continue to remember the thoughts of my childhood. It says in the beginning of the story (verse 2), “I have handed Jericho over to you.” It seems like the story ends before it even gets started. Yet the story of the fall of the walls of Jericho is a powerful and dynamic story. I often wished I’d find a way to act it out with a Sunday school class.
The question remains, isn’t the story over before it begins? We know the ending. God delivered the city into Joshua’s hands. Yet God required of Joshua faith and action. And in this way I am reminded of the story in Mark 7:24-30. God required the action of faith from the Greek woman. In today’s story God does the same thing, requiring action to back up the faith of Joshua.
Does God require action of us? What walls need to fall around you?
Lord, conqueror of evil, deliverer of blessings, thank you for calling us to action. Thank you for expecting great things from us. You could deliver cities into our hands but ask for action from us. Thank you for asking us to be active in living out our faith. Amen. — KNM