Monday, February 1, 2010

The Sixth Time Around on the Seventh Day...

Joshua 6:14-15

And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days.

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.


The Sixth Time Around, on the Seventh Day...

This passage has come up alot lately at my church. Those of you who were at Fellowship yesterday will recognize it from Pastor's sermon.

First, a little clarity. The children of Isreal didn't just go around Jericho seven times. Joshua was told to take his men of war and the priests with the rams horn trumpets and the ark of the covenant around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they were to go around seven times and the SHOUT!

I can imagine that with the warriors and the priests and all the people who made this trek daily, and then started on that marathon walk on the seventh day, that by the sixth lap on the seventh day, they might be getting a little weary. It's a hard thing to stay focused and obedient especially when the Lord calls us to do tedious tasks.

I mean, think about it. Would you want to walk around the perimeter of Atlanta? Would you want to walk around the perimeter of Riverdale or your own city? I know it can be daunting for me to get around a track, let alone the circumference of a WHOLE CITY! And then to have to do it EVERYDAY for six days! AND SEVEN TIMES ON THE SEVENTH DAY?!! It's a simple act, but still. That's alot of walking.

But, there is something about having a promise from God.

There is something about moving in obedience and with faith that will propell even the most tedious act into an act of joyful anticipation. When we know that we have a promise we will do the steps because were are certain of the outcome.

I am sure some of the group making their way around Jericho got a little discouraged and disgruntled about this labor. But I am also sure that some faith warrior on their left or right encouraged them by reminding them that they had a promise and that if this is how the Lord God was going to deliver the spoils of Jericho, then walk on, my brother, walk on!

Saints, it can be a hard thing to walk in obedience. But, like any army in the midsts of the battle, obedience, even in the mundane is absolutely vital.

Because this is spiritual warfare, obedience is almost always contrary to our natural desires. It can be tedious. It can be boring, especially when it gets repetative. But, walk on, my brother. Walk on my sister. 'Cause when you reach the time and place where the Lord wants to deliver on His promise to you...to break down the walls that are keeping you from your destiny; when you get to shout out all that pent up anticipation and see the barriers come down in your presence and you are showered with overwhelming favor, you'll forget all about the tedium of the obedience.

So, go ahead, walk on. Keep building that "praise on the inside that you can't keep to yourself". Because, when the time comes to shout, even the gates of Hell won't be able to prevail against you.

Joshua 6:16

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.


Peace and Victory!

-Sis. Stephanie Robinson


Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.

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Fellowship Church
455 HWY 138 Suite C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor