“A Discipline of Priority”

Monday, November 21, 2022

BIBLE READING: Hebrews 11.30
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.”

“And the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor.” (Joshua 6.2). That surely was encouraging, but the battle plan was unconventional. The men of Israel were armed for battle (Joshua 6.9), but instead of storming the walls, God had them march around them (Joshua 6.3). "Blow the trumpets and yell and the city will be yours" (Joshua 6.5). Sounds like a good intimidation tactic, but how was this going to work? I’m sure there were some who had concerns, but by faith they marched, raising no weapon. After 7 days of faithful obedience, the walls fell, and they took what God had given them (Joshua 6.20-21).

It wasn’t because they people weren’t willing or able to fight. It was because God was making a point. Although liberated and more capable, victory came from God. They were God’s people because of his choosing (Deuteronomy 7.7). He had promised them this land, and nothing would stop that. The people in Canaan were no chumps – remember the report from the spies? (Numbers 13.28-29, 31-33) – but unlike the previous generation, these people trusted God at his word. He would make good on his promises. He only wanted them to trust and obey.

We are naturally geared to focus on what we bring to the table; and certainly, faith calls us to action. But many times, faithful obedience calls us to minimize our role to maximize God. Think about Gideon with his 300 soliders (Judges 6-7), mighty Naaman and his leprosy (2 Kings 5), and John the Baptist with Jesus (John 3.30). They had abilities but also significant limitations. In each circumstance, their limitations put the focus on God.

The same is true in our lives. If we were able to accomplish everything on our own, we would never have a need for God. We would overemphasize our ability and minimize our trust. Pride and self-sufficiency would rule where God ought to be. We need to keep our priorities in line.

God fights for his people. He is a strong deliverer, a mighty tower, a strong arm against our enemies. He serves his people in ways they cannot. He is near the broken hearted and afflicted. He is mindful of the needy and helpless. He is merciful, compassionate, and gracious. But his power can only be realized when we humble ourselves in obedience.

All people of faith must put their strengths aside at times to glorify God. It is a discipline of priority. We must never emphasize our ability or think-sos over God. He is Supreme and Sovereign. There is nothing too hard for him. He doesn’t need our help; he only desires our trust and obedience.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3.5-6)

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12.9-10)

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