“The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, ‘Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.'”
Joshua 6:16-19 (NIV)
God’s instructions are often more detailed than we expect. In the conquest of Jericho, God didn’t simply command the Israelites to shout. He provided a comprehensive set of instructions that covered everything from marching orders to the handling of spoils. This level of detail reminds us that God cares about every aspect of our lives and our obedience. It also challenges us to pay close attention to His guidance, not overlooking even the smallest details.
Each instruction serves a purpose, even if we don’t immediately understand it. The command to march silently for six days might have seemed pointless to the Israelites. Yet, this unusual strategy was crucial in building their faith and preparing them for victory. In our lives too, God’s instructions, however puzzling, are always purposeful. Our role is not to question but to trust and obey, knowing that God’s wisdom far exceeds our limited understanding.
Obedience often requires restraint as much as action. God specifically instructed the Israelites to keep away from the devoted things. This command to refrain from taking plunder was as important as their active participation in the battle. Sometimes, what we don’t do in obedience to God is as crucial as what we do. This teaches us the valuable lesson of self-control and submission to God’s will, even when it goes against our natural desires.
God’s instructions often include provisions for mercy. In the midst of judgment on Jericho, God provided a way for Rahab and her family to be saved. This reminds us that even in situations that seem black and white, God’s instructions often include nuances that reflect His complex nature of justice and mercy. It challenges us to look for ways to extend God’s mercy to others, even in challenging circumstances.
Following God’s instructions positions us for victory. The fall of Jericho wasn’t just a result of the Israelites’ shouting; it was the culmination of their careful obedience to all of God’s instructions. When we follow God’s guidance in its entirety, we align ourselves with His power and purposes. This alignment often leads to breakthroughs and victories that we could never achieve through our own efforts or strategies.
“Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience the bloom on the fruit.” – Christina Rossetti
This insightful quote from Christina Rossetti, a 19th-century English poet known for her devotional writings, beautifully captures the essence of following God’s instructions. It reminds us that true obedience stems from a deep faith in God, and patience brings our obedience to full fruition.
Godseekers, remember that partial obedience is still disobedience. God’s instructions are not a buffet from which we can pick and choose. Each directive from God, whether it seems significant or trivial, plays a vital role in His overall plan for our lives and His kingdom. As we learn to follow God’s instructions fully, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of His blessings and to be effective instruments in His hands.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your detailed guidance in our lives. Forgive us for the times we’ve ignored Your instructions or chosen to follow only the parts that seem convenient or logical to us. Help us to trust that every instruction You give is important and purposeful. Grant us the humility to follow Your guidance completely, even when we don’t fully understand it. Give us patience to persist in obedience, even when results aren’t immediately visible. May our lives be characterized by careful attention to Your voice and wholehearted obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- Are there areas in your life where you’ve been partially obedient to God’s instructions? What might be holding you back from full obedience?
- How can you cultivate a greater sensitivity to God’s detailed guidance in your daily life?
Step of Faith
Today, identify one area where you’ve been struggling to fully follow God’s instructions. It might be a recurring sin you’ve been reluctant to give up, a calling you’ve been hesitant to pursue, or a relationship that needs reconciliation. Commit to taking one concrete step towards full obedience in this area. Remember, just as with Jericho, your act of obedience might be the key to unlocking a major breakthrough in your life. Trust God’s process and follow His instructions, knowing that His ways are always perfect, even when they don’t make sense to us.
