Preparing for Battle

The first six chapters of Joshua describe the glorious work God did among his people when they first entered the Promised Land. Israel had been freed after 430 years in Egypt, then they had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Finally, they were at the border of Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey that the Lord had promised them years before.

So they crossed over, and what happened?

Immediately, Joshua turned to the younger generation of men and separated them unto God. Scripture uses the word “circumcised” to describe their preparation, but the deeper meaning is that they were made ready (see Joshua 5:2-7). Why did Joshua do this? Now that they had crossed over the Jordan River, they faced the thick, impenetrable walls of Jericho. In the natural, conquering this enemy would have been impossible for the ragtag Israelites. However, God was telling them, “I have blessed you with my incredible riches these recent years, but your work is not yet finished.”

How did the Israelites prepare for this battle? “Then Joshua said to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you’” (Joshua 3:5, ESV).

God’s people didn’t sharpen their swords and shine their armor. Instead, the preparation took place inside their hearts. God commanded them to circle the city, praying and waiting on him. Finally, he had them raise up their trumpets and issue a single blast. In an instant, those mighty walls came tumbling down.

Joshua and his men then performed mighty exploits, defeating their enemies, inheriting greater lands, and seeing victories as never before. In fact, Joshua did something even Moses did not do; he defeated 31 kings. That was a tenfold increase over the kings that Moses had defeated.

I believe this is a picture of what the Lord wants to do in all our lives. He wants to bring a tenfold increase; he wants to pour out his Spirit in amazing ways. He wants us to believe he will do it all. In short, he wants us to possess a crazy faith.