How can we apply the principle of following God's commands in our lives? Setting the Scene: Joshua 6:8 “After Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying seven trumpets before the LORD advanced and blew the trumpets, and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.” What Obedience Looked Like That Day • Joshua spoke exactly what God had said; the people accepted it without debate. • The priests moved first, signaling worship-led obedience. • Trumpets sounded before a single wall cracked, marking faith before evidence. • The ark—visible proof of God’s presence—was centered in the procession. • Everyone kept to God’s odd-sounding plan rather than suggesting “better” tactics. Timeless Lessons on Following God’s Commands • Trust the Command-Giver more than the command’s logic. • Obedience often requires movement before results. • God’s presence stays central when His Word is obeyed. • Corporate faithfulness matters; one person’s rebellion can stall a whole camp (cf. Joshua 7). • Worship and obedience travel together—trumpets first, walls second (cf. Hebrews 11:30). Putting the Lessons into Practice Today Start with God’s Word • Read daily; let Scripture set the itinerary (Psalm 119:105). • Memorize key commands so obedience becomes reflexive (John 14:15). Move When God Says Move • Act promptly on clear biblical instructions—love, forgive, give, serve. • Delay communicates distrust (Proverbs 3:5-6). Stay in Formation • Align choices with the local church; shared obedience strengthens resolve (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Seek counsel that points back to Scripture, not preference. Worship While You Wait • Praise God before breakthroughs; gratitude fuels perseverance (Philippians 4:6-7). • Sing, pray, testify—trumpets in modern form. Refuse Substitutes • Good intentions never replace doing what God actually said (1 Samuel 15:22). • Evaluate plans by “Does this obey or avoid God’s clear Word?” Persevere Until the Walls Fall • Keep circling the problem in faith; God’s timing perfects the outcome (Galatians 6:9). • Record past deliverances to steady today’s march. A Short List of Obedience Reminders from Scripture • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Luke 11:28 — “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust, lean not, acknowledge, and He straightens paths. • Psalm 119:60 — “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.” Closing Encouragement The march around Jericho proves that every step of literal obedience positions us for God-sized outcomes. When Scripture directs, respond like the priests with trumpets—move forward, sound His praise, and watch walls crumble in His time. |
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