Looks can be very deceiving. This is why we have to live by faith and not by sight. The LORD said to Joshua, "‘See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor.'" That is not what Joshua's eyes told him! Jericho still looked very much intact, and the king and mighty men looked pretty healthy. By faith, though, Joshua could see what the LORD saw, and he believed the LORD. The LORD's battle plan was certainly not what anyone had expected. The Israelites were to march around the city for six days with seven priests blowing seven trumpets before the ark of the LORD. On the seventh day, they were to do this seven times. By faith, Joshua and all the people obeyed the instructions of the LORD. Sure enough, when they shouted on the last day as they were commanded to, the walls of Jericho fell flat and the victory was won.

The spoils of this first victory were to be destroyed, with the exception of the silver and gold, and the articles of bronze and iron that were to be placed in the treasury of the LORD. Only Rahab's family survived the judgment of God on this city. Her family was saved because she believed in God and hid the two spies by faith. The same will be true in the future. When the LORD judges the whole earth, only those who believe in Jesus will be saved.


Application: Father, give us faith to obey your word.
One Word: Victory comes through obedience