FAITH OVERCOMES EVIL. Hebrews 11:30 Joshua had the faith to believe that the thick walls of Jericho could not keep the powers of darkness and evil safe from the light and power of God. The faith of Joshua and the Israelites who followed him was not hesitant to carry out the unusual tactics God told them to use to bring down the walls of Jericho. For seven days, they did exactly what God told them, even going around the walls seven times on the seventh day. Thirteen circuits of the city may have seemed an exercise in futility unless one had faith to act on what God said.
Although Joshua is not named in the account of the fall of Jericho in this passage of scripture, it is clear that he believed God would do whatever was needed to bring victory in this warfare. As for the life of Joshua, the Ephraimite son of Nun, it is notable for its faith, marked by leading God's people in the nation's battles. Under his military leadership, the children of Israel defeated Amalek by the power of God. He was a faithful minister to Moses and was willing to live in obscurity, faithfully serving God by serving God's servant. He was one of two spies who reported favorably, assuring the Israelites of God's faithfulness to deliver them into the promised land, even though the other ten spies swayed the people. He was chosen by God as Moses’ successor and was empowered and inspired by God. He unified the people, sent out spies to Jericho, led the people across Jordan, and, by faith in God alone, was used to destroy Jericho. The remainder of his life was one of conquering faith, clearly testified to in a well-known statement, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua (savior) was a man of faith in his warfare.
When we confront unbelief, ungodliness, religious superstition and falsehood, and opposition, we cannot overcome these obstacles by willpower or self-effort. Instead, when we confront obstacles and evil by proclaiming the word of God in faith, God uses His power and authority to produce the results He desires, both among those in the darkness of sin and among those who live by faith in Him. Human reasoning, threats, and demands do not produce results that bring glory to God.
In patience and quiet waiting on the Lord, when we apply what God teaches us, faith accomplishes what seems impossible to us. Faith rests in the knowledge that with God, all things are possible to those who believe in Him. When we live a life of faith and expectation, we can be assured that God is working His will in every situation before us. Faith keeps on testifying, obeying, serving, praising, and taking action to fulfill the role and work God has given us.
The forces of evil were barricaded in Jericho, but despite what seemed impossible, Joshua had the faith to believe the walls of Jericho could be breached. The tactics God gave him were strange, but he believed they would work. That was perhaps the greatest act of faith, and it was tested daily for a week before the walls finally fell. We struggle against the strongholds of evil [2Cor.10:3-6; Eph.6:10-20]. These are demonic forces, but we cannot lose our nerve or our faith, even though our methods and message seem foolish to the world [1 Cor. 1:18]. The Gospel is still the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth [Rom. 1:16]. The walls of the enemy can still be breached [2 Cor. 10:4].
The character of Joshua is an example of a man or woman of God whom He can use to reach beyond the forces of darkness into the light of truth and faith. He was courageous, but not full of foolish bravado [Num. 14:6-10]. He was an emotional man, but not sentimental [Jos.7:6-10]. He was a wise and experienced military man who recognized his need for God's guidance and power [Jos.8:3-29]. Apparently, he was easily beguiled [Jos.9:3-27], which seems a bit out of character. Yet despite all the battles he had fought and won, he was sympathetic toward those who appeared to be in need. In a sense, he was prophetic, as he could see what was ahead [Jos. 6:26-27], and his leadership went beyond that of a military leader to that of a strong religious leader [Jud. 2:7].
There are many ways Joshua is a type of Christ beyond the meaning of his name. Joshua was a Savior. He saved Israel from enemies in the land and from calamities. Christ saves us from all spiritual enemies, seen and unseen. Joshua led Israel into Canaan. Christ leads us into victory now and heaven soon. What Moses couldn’t do, Joshua could. What the law could not do, Christ did. Joshua was a mighty conqueror – so is Christ. Joshua overcame kings. Christ overcame [1] Satan, [2] Sin, and [3] Death. The promises of God to Israel were fulfilled through Joshua. The promises of God to us are fulfilled through Christ. Joshua saved Rahab and her family because of the red cord. The Lord Jesus saves sinners by faith in His blood. Joshua accepted the Gibeonites, who wanted peace, even though they didn’t deserve it. So, Christ accepts all sincere sinners who seek mercy.
Some of God’s people are called to blow the horn of the Gospel message; some are to keep spiritual order among God’s people; others are called simply to keep in fellowship with the saints around us and be ready to act when God opens the way for us to do something different. That which seems foolish to men is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
The life of a believer who does not submit to the ways of the world is going to seem like an uphill battle. To live without compromising our faith in some way is not easy, and we are not going to be accepted by those who have a secular worldview. Christian commitment and its consequences leave us out of step with the social, economic, and religious world in whose territory we live. Being strangers and pilgrims is not wrong, but it means we must be on guard against our three enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil.
It was a work of God to break down the strongholds of evil in Jericho. It was a work of God that enabled the Israelites to do what was unique by faith, without losing their nerve or stopping in their tracks. It was a work of God when the Israelites surrounded the city of Jericho, so that the walls would fall down flat, so that from every side they could go straight ahead into the city and deal with the whole city in judgment, except for one woman of faith and those she had influenced.
It’s here again, but it’s different this time. We are not in the wilderness but in the promised land. We left Egypt by blood; God brought us into this privileged place by His power. All the way, God led us; the strength was His, not ours. Now the old corn of the land on which we feed our souls has replaced the manna – the spiritual food stopped after the Passover in Canaan. Lord, please don’t take the heavenly manna away! I need the food from heaven each and every day.
There’s a land to be possessed; we need to start right here – the enemies are many and waiting, and the world is near. Thankfully, we know the Lord of hosts is here to lead us, and He is the same One who freed us from Egypt’s bondage. There are times I stop to wonder at the passing of the years; God certainly has maintained us through joy and our tears. If it weren’t for His promises, I’d wonder what we’ve done, but He has brought us into a good land, and He did it all alone. During the years between our leaving and arrival, by grace and power, He provides and maintains our survival. Along the way, He has allowed me the privilege to serve men – and to make me understand that, in serving them, I serve Him.