Stacked Against: Wk 5

Joshua 6.1-20

The Walls of Jericho

The walls of Jericho loomed large over the Israelite camp below. The city appeared ready for the looming battle of Jericho. From inside the city walls the people must have surely watched as the Israelite nation crossed the Jordan, and set up camp within eyesight.

We are patching holes in walls that need to come down.

We are surrounded by walls. Everywhere.
Walls of fear
Walls of guilt
Walls of anger
Walls of bondage
Walls of suspicion
Walls of unforgiveness
Walls of self-pity
Walls of pride
Walls of depression
Walls of unbelief
Walls keep us in.
Walls keep others out.
Walls create barriers between us.

It was never about the walls, it was about obedience.

God could have toppled the walls without the marching.

John 15.14-16

For seven days Israel circled, blew trumpets, and shouted. Circling and blasting trumpets isn’t a strategy. There might be a psychological component, but ultimately you need more than shouting to breach a fortified wall.

Shouting wasn’t their strategy, believing in God’s promise and power was their strategy.

That’s pretty much the message of the entire Bible, without God’s power and promises we’re done.

The Gospel isn’t, as John Piper says, a help-wanted sign. Jesus didn’t come to form a salvation co-op with us. Just as God’s mighty hand pressed down on the wall with such force that it buckled and fell, Jesus’ mighty hand did on the cross what none of us or all of us could ever do.

We can’t pull down the walls that Satan and sin build in our own power. We need God’s power to do it.

We need to get this straight, we don’t have the power to make those walls come down. Only God does. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a part to play. Our part is to have the faith to obey God.

If this message spoke to you today and you would like to respond, would you click the link below and let us know? We want to pray for you.
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We can't wait to connect with you. If you have questions about our church, email nlc@newlifeoakgrove.com
Pastor Todd Blansit