Joshua 5 - 6
Israel starts a new phase in their journey with God and they enter Canaan almost like they left Egypt - crossing a river. But before they start conquering the land they renew their covenant w/ God (circumcision) and remember His promise of salvation (Passover). Then they are ready to do battle. God's instructions were clear: kill every living thing, destroy everything not made of metal, all metal things are to be put in the treasury, as an offering to God. But the method of this battle was unusual - walk around the walls until they fall down? Why? Why not do things the traditional way? Why destroy everything? What more does this story tell me besides a history lesson?
I read an interesting article the other day about the excavations of Jericho and it mentioned briefly that there was evidence to suggest there had been plague in Jericho at the time of Israel's siege. Just the idea of that made my imagination run - what was God protecting His people from? What kinds of things does my obedience protect me from that I don't even know about? We all face various battle in our lives, what can I learn from this battle?
As I journey with God I work through the sanctification process to rid my heart & mind of all that is not holy and true. One at a time God takes me to these places and shows me what needs to go. These are not battles I can fight on my own. These are not battles I can fight with sheer physical force. These are battles that require God's hand and my obedience. Obedience to engage, to follow through, to destroy, kill and burn all that does not acknowledge God, all that is not pure. To disobey on any level is to expose myself to disease and death. Maybe not physical disease but which is really worse - that which destroys the body or the soul?
What is my Jericho today?
Do I have fellow soldiers at my back?
What do I need to follow-through on?
Have I given God glory for his enduring faithfulness, patience and strength?
Welcome!
- Kathy Unger Marshall
- Dallas, GA, United States
- As a wife, mother of three and a full-time employee Kathy is well acquainted with the struggles to maintain balance, a right attitude, contentment and health in the midst of chaos. All the hectic times in her life, including seven major moves and five minor ones have served to reinforce her dependence on the only anchor she has found to hold her steady through the years; Jesus. Kathy writes of her personal journeys through the pages of scriptures, deserts of dryness, showers of blessings, the darkness of depression and the bright days of joy. She speaks of all she has learned about herself and her God in these journeys with the hope that her experiences will serve to encourage other women, who are fighting these same battles to stand strong.
2 comments:
So true...I have always had a feeling we'll be amazed when we're in heaven someday - when Jesus reveals all He protected us from. Obedience is never easy...but it is most definitely for our good 100% of the time!
Love you dear sister...Hugs,Glenda
I've only been to exactly one seder, but it seems a lot about craaazy long ceremony, making all the versions fit the persons present.. and lots of grandma food. I've never seen a german tort that amazing and chocolate. The resentment of things christian, being a minority in a larger world that makes little effort to understand..and of course proselytizing and conversion often leave a palpable anger. The Mormon practice of posthumous baptism of Jews they hold as contemptible.
Yesterday, in a very jewy deli with a massive pastrami sandwich, the group at the next table were talking about a trip thru alabama and georgia.
Suffice it to say, the dominant and minority cultures do not understand each other well.
Even here, in our tolerant, well informed places.
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