So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.
Joshua 6:20
Jericho fell, not because the ancient Israelites created some kind of special sonic cannon with their trumpets. The wall fell because they obeyed God's directions and God honored their obedience by visiting the battle with His great power. The city was already in fear of Israel (Joshua 6:1), and as the walls collapsed, just like the morale of Jericho's citizens, Israel rushed in and finished the work God asked them to do. But they never had to take as much as an icepick to the walls of Jericho. God did the hard work.
When I read this story, it makes me wonder just how much I need to recognize all the hard work God has done ahead of me. It is not always readily recognizable. But He does. In my ministry of counseling, I have many opportunities to share with hurting people how much God is doing for them, and how much Jesus has given them through His death and resurrection on their behalf. They are looking for hope. It is found in Christ alone. And there are times when I get to see people trust Christ for eternal salvation. It is not because I am some kind of effective evangelist. It is all because God does the hard work. He allows certain circumstances to break down their walls so that I can faithfully follow with the gospel and see the rescue take place. This is to me just as powerful as any bronze age battle that God's people lopsidedly won!
- Prepare your minds for action.
1 Peter 1:13
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