March, Marching, and Jericho

The month of March begins today and causes us to ponder on the Bible's usage of the powerful verb, "March." Moving forward, remaining focused on the goal, and keeping the faith are all important components of dutiful service to God. The word march is only used in the Old Testament and it is most frequently used in connection with the most famous, most eventful military campaign against a single city in the days of Joshua.

God spoke to Joshua and told him that Jericho had been given over to Israel and that Joshua was to lead the people in executing the divine plan of destruction (Joshua 6:1-2). Recorded in the scriptures is the fulfillment of God's promise, coupled with the careful obedience of Joshua and the Israelite people. For six days, the Israelites marched around the walls of the city, quietly encircling Jericho as God had commanded (Joshua 6:10-14).

On the seventh day, the people (as directed by God) marched around the city seven times after which Joshua commanded the people to not only break their silence but also to shout (Joshua 6:15-16). The people did so and the scriptures say, "the wall fell down flat" (Joshua 6:20). Soon thereafter, the city was burned to utter destruction and Joshua gave the command that anyone who would attempt to rebuild the burned city did so at their own peril (Joshua 6:24-26).

The final statement made regarding this cataclysmic event is both simple and profound: "So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout all the country" (Joshua 6:27). It bears mentioning that the "he" in verse 27 is not God, but Joshua.

The story of Jericho and the seven days marching is likely the most familiar story in the book of Joshua. Yet, even with our familiarity of this event, let us observe three simple things. First, we might not always know why God instructs us to do a particular thing. It's likely that these marchers didn't understand the significance of walking around a city, saying nothing, and then hoping through some magic that those walls would fall. With God, though, we know that following His commands, even if we don't understand them, always works out for the best.

Second, when God does something, He does it right! The walls did not "partially" fall down or simply grow weak. The walls fell down COMPLETELY and with God, everything is complete and perfect.

Third, God's power and grace are so magnificent that, even though it's His power that gets the job done, we end up looking great. Joshua's fame spread because of God's power within him. While we may not be famous or viewed favorably in this life, God will always be there for us.

The only thing for you and I to do now is to march! Let's do so with confidence and with joy, knowing for sure that God will always provide for us and that He will continually break down any walls and lead us on to His glory.