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The Miracle of Jericho

by Don Pedal  
10/18/2014 / Christian Living

When you read or listen to the media and look at the world around you --- are you uneasy? Signs of moral decay are everywhere. It used to be someone else's neighborhood and now it is our on. Shootings are happening in our own schools and neighborhoods. The suicide rate among our young people has risen, as they are losing hope in their future. They are no longer assured of a better life than their parents have. Men over fifty find it difficult to find work paying a living wage. Families are affected when wives have to help pick up the burden. We read of a government that seems paralyzed and unable to lead our nation out of its financial mess.
Recent polls suggest that we, the average citizen, are indeed aware that something is wrong but do not know of a solution. I say to you --- Remember Jericho!
I can hear you say to yourself, "That's strange, what in the world does Jericho have to do with the world you just described"?
Let me tell you a story about the city of Jericho. Jericho is about eighteen miles from Jerusalem. It was the first city taken by the Israelites after they crossed the river Jordan. Jericho was surrounded by a sloping earthen embankment. At the base of the embankment stood a wall about twelve to fifteen feet high. Behind this wall was another one, six feet thick, twenty feet high, made of mud bricks. Above these walls, an earthen embankment sloped upward. At the top of this slope stood the outer wall of the city. This wall was about forty -six feet high. All these walls circled the city, which was considered impregnable.
God thought otherwise!
The Book of Joshua tells us that Joshua laid siege to the city and sent spies in to determine the defenses and resources they faced. The Lord again spoke to Joshua and told him to march around the city once each day for six days. Seven priests were to carry rams horns in front of the Ark of God, blowing their horns as they went forward. Armed guards went before and after the priests and the Ark. On the seventh day, they marched around the city, as before, six times. On the seventh time around, they blew their rams horns, and on signal, gave a great shout. We know from scripture what happened. Through God's mighty power the walls fell inward and this impregnable city was taken. Thus, God's power delivered Israel.
So how does the story of this ancient city relate to the condition of America today?
The story of Jericho shows us the awesome power of the God we serve. He is personally and intimately concerned for His people. He leads us daily and never fails in His promises. Sometimes we cannot see the answer to our problems, using only our human wisdom and intelligence. That is when God calls us to have faith and to trust in Him. Joshua and his people showed their faith by acting, and the city fell to them.


We know that, unlike us, God does not change.
If we really believe that, deep in our hearts, why are we concerned by the pessimism of those who tell us our greatest days are over and get ready for dark days ahead?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
The question, is God for us, a nation whose moral condition we have already discussed? God is not mocked and will punish those who ignore Him. Even His favored people, the Israelites, were chastised many times, as told in scripture. Why should He overlook our sins and treat us differently?
Although our God is awesomely powerful, He is also a God who loves us all, even His enemies. He created us and longs to gather us together as The Good Shepherd, even those sheep that have strayed.
We ask, "Has God given us any word as to what He would have us do, as a nation, that we may be forgiven and restored to His favor and blessing?
The answer to that question will be found in the scriptural verse 2 Chron.7:14. There are conditions to this promise that are very convicting. He starts with, "If my people, who are called by my name", --- that is us, born again believers, followers of the Lord Jesus. "Will humble themselves and pray and seek my face", --- are we praying and really seeking our Lord? Do we have a daily close relationship with Him? He now tells us to "Turn from our wicked ways". Our materialistic, consumer driven society, is softening us to compromise as we embrace the worldly system around us. Our Lord tells us that we cannot serve Him and the world system at the same time. He now goes on to say, if we do as He asks us, "Then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land".
Every day seems to bring new challenges to our faith. We, as God's people, need to stand up and have our voices heard. We need to support our leaders who have the courage to speak out in truth and love. We need to make our voices heard at the ballot box, at our leader's town hall meetings and other public forums. We might even check out their websites and follow their voting records. I am sure there are many other ways to act to assure our Christian voices are heard.
Maybe it seems as if no one cares anymore and we stand alone, but that is not true. We have many brothers and sisters who quietly serve our Lord diligently every day. May our Lord grant that we are one of them.
Our Lord stands at the door and knocks The question is, will we open the door or decide to think about it?
The answer is up to us.
Praise our Lord this and every day.

As a senior citizen, I am dedicated to serving the Lord through sharing my experiences and insights with other believers. My primary focus is upon being an disciple of Jesus and, in being one, I can help others to find their spiritual way also.
This article is original and not copywrited

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