2 Corinthians 10:4-6 – NKJV – “For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting
down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the
knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience
of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when
your obedience is fulfilled.“
Daniel 11:32b – KJV – But the people who know their God shall
be strong, and carry out great exploits.
The Bible describes various occasions where entire cities were taken
and conquered for the glory of God.
Solomon is taught, after the construction and dedication of God's
temple, that humility and genuine prayer of repentance on behalf of
our cities would bring the favor of God and thereby also healing to
the land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 - NKJV - If My people who
are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My
face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
This
is demonstrated when the cupbearer Nehemiah was driven into an inadvertent
time of prayer and fasting, on behalf of his city and people, after
learning of the appalling state that Jerusalem was in. The thought
of seeing the once glorious city, the very place where Almighty God
said He would put His name, reduced to rubble and ruin, kept Nehemiah
awake at night, praying that God may restore the city again. God blessed
Nehemiah with great favour in order to accomplish the great task of
rebuilding the broken down walls of Jerusalem, while facing constant
opposition. All the enemies' plans were foiled and fostered an even
greater determination to restore the city amongst all the people.
Proverbs 16:7 - ESV - "When a man's ways please
the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him".
God does not require an army in order to accomplish His will. In more
recent history; the great Welsh as well as the North American Revival
at the beginning of the 20th century, show that mere individuals endued
with the blueprint of God's heartbeat are perfectly adequate to do
exploits and take our city for God!
The command to go into all the world and make disciples was not a
hopeful last wish to a few remaining disciples, but the Bible suggests
that it is sure force-majeure, concurring to God's master plan. (Mt.
24:14, Acts 2:17)
The enormous walls of Jericho may have looked like a challenging enemy.
Nevertheless, when Joshua followed God's plan, those great walls were
suddenly no match and Jericho was taken by only the obedient marching
of the people. 2 Corinthians 10:4 - KJV - "The weapons of
our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God, to the pulling
down of strongholds..." "... (6b) when your obedience
is complete".
Jericho was not Israel's destiny, but just one of many small obstructions
in the bigger long-term plan of God. What seemed to be a painful obstacle
in mans eyes, turned out to be a stepping-stone to greater faith in
God.
As we try to do the best we can, God will do that which we cannot
do. He will turn the wiles of the enemy to our advantage and will
even take us beyond the limits of our rationality, as we obey and
follow His master plan. For with God all things are possible. Therefore
let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not! GOD will give the increase (Galatians 6:9)! sa
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