December 27 – Joshua 6:8-11

December 27 – Joshua 6:8-11

And just as Joshua had commanded the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the Lord went forward, blowing the trumpets, with the ark of the covenant of the Lord following them. The armed men were walking before the priests who were blowing the trumpets, and the rear guard was walking after the ark, while the trumpets blew continually. 10 But Joshua commanded the people, “You shall not shout or make your voice heard, neither shall any word go out of your mouth, until the day I tell you to shout. Then you shall shout.” 11 So he caused the ark of the Lord to circle the city, going about it once. And they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp.

I’m reading these verses and have to admit that I can’t imagine how Joshua was able to keep all those people from having any words or shouts go out of their mouths.  I expect they felt the gravity of the situation and wanted to be obedient as they grew up hearing and living through the consequences of disobedience to God.  They had to know this was a serious situation and I admire their ability to respond as they did.  Joshua certainly had a huge job ahead of him, and the response of the people to follow his directions was absolutely critical.

Why do you think people struggle so often to follow directions?  What circumstances do you find help you take a situation more seriously?  What is God calling you to do that requires your obedience today?

Heavenly Father, I thank You for these examples of real people and how their actions created both friction and problems as they left Egypt and now we see their cooperation and follow-through made such a difference as they follow God’s direction to take Jericho as God promised this land to them.  What a difference our obedience can make.  Help me keep my eyes on You.  Help me follow through with what You have for me and not worry about what others think I should do.  Help me worry more about my obedience to You than what others think of me.  I am such a people pleaser, that I struggle with this, but I know You can help me keep my eyes focused on You.  Thank You, Father, for how You lift me up and carry me through each day.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!

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