“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Faith is not a solitary journey. While our relationship with God is personal, it’s not meant to be private. The story of Jericho powerfully illustrates how faith, when shared and acted upon collectively, can transform not just individuals, but entire communities.
Picture the scene at Jericho. The Israelites didn’t face this challenge as isolated individuals. They stood together, a community united in faith and purpose. God’s instructions weren’t given to Joshua alone, but to all the people. Their obedience was a collective act, their faith a shared experience.
This communal aspect of faith is often overlooked in our individualistic society. We tend to think of faith as a personal matter, something between “me and God.” But throughout Scripture, we see God working through communities of believers. From the nation of Israel in the Old Testament to the early church in the New Testament, faith has always had a communal dimension.
The Hebrew word for community, “kehillah,” carries rich meaning. It’s not just a group of people who happen to be in the same place. It implies a purposeful gathering, a community called together for a specific reason. In the case of the Israelites at Jericho, they were a kehillah called to demonstrate faith and obedience to God’s unconventional battle plan.
Faith builds community in several powerful ways. It gives a community a shared vision, providing a common purpose and direction. For the Israelites, it was the promise of the land God had given them; for us today, it might be a shared mission to serve our neighborhood or spread the Gospel. Faith also fosters mutual support, allowing us to encourage each other during doubt or difficulty. Imagine the Israelites supporting one another as they marched day after day with no visible results.
Furthermore, a community of faith acting together presents a powerful collective witness to the world. The fall of Jericho wasn’t just a victory for Israel; it was a testimony to surrounding nations of God’s power. Lastly, faith unites diverse gifts within a community. In the Jericho story, we see priests blowing trumpets, soldiers marching, and everyone playing their part, all united by their shared faith and purpose.
“The church is not a theological classroom. It is a conversion, confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness and sanctification center, where flawed people place their faith in Christ, gather to know and love him better, and learn to love others as he designed.” – Paul David Tripp, pastor and author. This quote reminds us that faith communities are not about perfection, but about growth and transformation together.
Remember, the early church turned the world upside down not because of the faith of individuals, but because of the power of a community living out their faith together. Acts 2:44-47 paints a beautiful picture of this: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”
Godseekers, consider your own faith community. How does your shared faith strengthen and unite you? Are there “walls” in your community that seem insurmountable? Just as the Israelites marched together around Jericho, how might you come together in faith to face these challenges?
As you reflect on the Jericho story, consider: How can your faith strengthen your community? How can your community strengthen your faith? What “walls” might fall if you unite in faith and obedience with fellow believers?
When we stand together in faith, we don’t just build stronger communities – we become living testimonies of God’s power to transform lives and overcome any obstacle.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of community. We confess that we sometimes try to walk this journey of faith alone. Help us to embrace the power of shared faith and collective obedience. Unite us with fellow believers in purpose and vision. Use our communities of faith to bring down walls of division, injustice, and unbelief in our world. May our love for one another be a testament to Your transforming power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- How has being part of a faith community strengthened your own faith journey?
- What “walls” in your community (church, neighborhood, or city) seem to need God’s intervention?
- In what ways can you contribute to building and strengthening your faith community this week?
Step of Faith
This week, identify one way you can strengthen your faith community. It might be reaching out to encourage a fellow believer, volunteering for a church ministry, or inviting someone to join your small group. Take that step, remembering that as you build community, you’re participating in God’s work of transforming lives and toppling walls.
