Being right with God is our first priority in any circumstance. When the kings of the Amorites and Canaanites heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Jordan so that the people of Israel could cross over, their hearts melted with fear. Normally, this would be the best time for the Israelites to take action and attack their enemies. Our first instinct is to seize opportunities and go forward on our own strength. However, that was how the previous generation of Israelites had failed. Because of their disobedience, they were turned away from the Promised Land and forced to wander in the desert until they died. This time, the Israelites sought to obey God and they dedicated themselves to him by circumcising all the males. As a result, God declared their reproach had been rolled away. They celebrated their first Passover in the land and enjoyed the produce of the land.

Is God on our side, or are we on his? When Joshua met the commander of the LORD's army, he quickly learned that the battle for Jericho was the LORD's, not Israel's. This is important for us to think about. Do we prayerfully seek to align our will with God's-or do we try to turn it around and bend God to our will? Joshua responded by falling on his face and submitting himself to God. God was present with him, and Joshua was on holy ground.


Application: Father, the battle and the victory are yours.
One Word: Submit yourself to God