Title: The Power of Faith (Hebrews 11:30)
Contents The words introduced in today's text are related to Joshua chapter 6. The Israelites crossed the Jordan River. The first city that appeared in front of them was a great city called 'Jericho'. The Israelites went further and conquered the cities and established the promised inheritance. They had to occupy the city of Jericho to take it.
Jericho was a leading fortress among the enemy army and was known as a city that could not be captured. However, this city was captured and fell without even seeing a proper fight. What they did was, according to the command of the Lord, to walk around the city with faith. One lap, seven laps on the seventh day. And when they cried out, the wall fell in front of them. Let's consider some lessons to remember from this incident.
1. By faith Jericho fell
(1) There are times when God's methods are completely different from ours.
Has there ever been a time in history that a mighty fortress has been completely demolished with just a few marches? God rejoices when human pride is broken
Moses, the one who brought the law to Israel and the leader of the nation, was hidden in a basket of reeds. The mighty Philistine giant fell with a slingshot. The prophet Elijah lived on the widow's little food. John, who was preparing the way for Christ, was in the wilderness with locusts. He lived on honey Jesus was born in a stable and was laid in a manger The disciples of the Lord were mostly uneducated fishermen These are the differences between God's way and man's way It is an abomination in God's eyes to be highly regarded by men can be
(2) God does not depend on natural methods and transcends all laws of nature.
In general, it is true that God is pleased to give grace by using natural methods, and it is true that by applying the laws of nature to achieve his intended purpose, however, it is true that the Israelites crossed the Jordan River or took the city of Jericho, or Daniel and Jonah in the lions' den. Was it in a natural way that the crayfish were preserved in the belly of the meat? The events of the birth of Isaac or the provision of food through the crows, the things that were protected without being burned in the furnace, were the works of God that transcended all laws of nature.
(3) In the battle of faith, you will encounter great difficulties and strong opposition.
Circumstances that test your courage You can only go far on the path of faith after facing many situations that challenge your natural forces and resources. All things are nothing in the sight of Almighty God The magnitude of the difficulty in our eyes depends on how close your heart is to the Almighty. Let us glorify the Lord through
(4) The fall of Jericho was because of the faith of the faithful Israelites.
Faith becomes the channel to receive God's almighty love God's great miracles are accomplished through the believers' faith All victory in Israel came through faith The miracles of healing recorded in the Gospels were all done by faith (The history of the five diseases The history of Jesus raising his eyes and looking at the sky The history of healing the deaf and deaf man by saying 'Ephada' and 'Open' The history of raising Lazarus from the dead) Also, faith works when we accept God's grace I have healed you.” “It shall be done according to your faith.” Ultimately, the history of Israel was the work of God's almighty saving grace and man's faith. Miracles come down from heaven and ascend from the earth to faith.
2. We must imitate the faith demonstrated by believers
(1) You can see bold faith
When the Israelites crossed the Jordan, they burned all bridges and ships. When they crossed over, the Jordan River was restored to its original state, and there was no way to retreat or even a place to rest. Now they are in enemy territory. The choice of victory or death No matter what the Canaanites fired from above, how would they stop them if they dropped stones? This was truly an adventure of faith and an adventure that God would praise
Unbelief is timid and hesitant. But bold faith is courageous and confident. You must have the faith to take risks. It is the faith to do anything for Jehovah. This is the faith that Elijah went before Jezebel, and the faith that Daniel prayed in violation of the edict with Babylon. Do your job,' said Kerry. Of course, it's good to step back for a little while to run more, but sometimes you can't even jump because you've been back for so long.
(2) have a disciplined faith
Let's read Joshua 6:10 Is it really possible? These are the direct descendants of a nation that is known for complaining and fighting well. So do you remember that God's commandment was given that they could not enter eternal rest because of their complaints and struggles? If so, how much trouble would you have?
Thousands of people must have informed Joshua of good tactics. Let's siege and starve to death Let's climb the ladder Let's use camouflage warfare There must have been various opinions, such as breaking through the city gates and digging a tunnel under the walls. There may have been many sayings that a person with little experience became Moses' successor and became God's servant, but he thoroughly obeyed Joshua's words, 'You must not complain, and there is no need for anyone who wants to rely on human wisdom or human wisdom'
Christ's soldiers must be well trained You must be trained in the faith Even if you have a lot of worldly experience, you must learn by bowing your head That is faith You are only commanded to surround the city in solemn silence and holy march This is a great test of faith Because it seemed that such an operation would never achieve the desired purpose. God always works in a way that would not be possible with the human mind and is glorified through it. Become a thoroughly trained hero in the faith.
(3) I have a persevering faith
“They went through Jericho by faith seven days, and the wall fell.”
It didn't break even on the first day. Second, third, .... It fell only after 13 laps. This test not only their faith and obedience but also their patience. Therefore, we must remain in God's hands until the moment when He is about to show mercy.
Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we are not weary.” Let us pray more firmly and earnestly for the Holy Spirit to work our hearts and give us the spiritual grace of perseverance.
(4) Expected faith
Now, especially to observe, the people shouted before the wall fell. It was a faith that expected victory. In Mark 11:24, He said, 'Whatever you pray for and ask, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.' Joshua 6 is truly a message given for your faith. The walls of unbelief, superstition, and ungodliness cannot be conquered by any weapon or power on this earth. It is only the word, it is made possible by the word proclaimed in faith
Jericho is for everyone Everyone has the high wall of Jericho city right in front of us Let's remember Joshua and have courage If we have bold faith, disciplined faith, persevering faith and expectant faith, God will surely give us victory at the appointed time. will give