The Presence of God

The very name of Jericho brings to mind thick, strong walls. These are walls that tower over the people of Israel and make them look small in comparison. The walls of this city scream “strength.” They cry out “security!” They are built to protect. They serve to intimidate. But as Joshua leads the army of Israel against these walls, there is another presence that is proclaimed. The presence of God.

Too often on our journey we come face-to-face with walls. Walls that block our vision. Walls that dominate the landscape of our hearts. Walls that make us feel small and powerless. As Joshua faces the walls of Jericho, he learns that the presence of God can make the walls come tumbling down. We need to hear the lessons. Strength is not found in walls or man’s ability to deal with them. Strength is found in the presence of God.

God makes a promise to Joshua. “I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.” God says that the battle is already won. The victory is already here. The people just need to open their eyes and see it. In a place where the world’s power seems dominant, God calls the people to announce His presence.

Close your eyes and capture the picture. A long column of armed men gather in front of Jericho. In the midst of the column are priests carrying a gold box atop their shoulders. Beautiful golden cherubim grace the lid of the box. God has promised His people that His presence will dwell between their outstretched wings. The ark of God’s presence is to go with the armies of Israel as they march around the city. As the priests walk before the ark, they are to blow the trumpets. Trumpets announce the presence of God.

As we look at Israel’s history, we see that trumpets announce three very specific things. They announce the crowning of kings. They announce times of worship. They announce the call to battle. At the gates of Jericho, the blowing of the rams’ horns means the same things.

A King is present. Through the trumpets blare, the Israelites announce that even though they do not have a physical and earthly king, God leads them. He is the King of Heaven and He is the King of their hearts. The throne of heaven and the throne of their lives is filled with the presence of God. Every act of obedience honors Him as worthy. Every step they take declares His majesty. Every blast of the trumpet proclaims that all authority and dominion belong to the Lord.

Bow your hearts in worship. As the sound of the trumpets echoes against the walls of stone, it calls the people to worship. Their hearts are not to be hard and stone-like in the presence of the Lord. Recognizing His presence in this moment should unleash a flood of awe, humility, adoration, and praise. The call of the trumpets is a call to give themselves fully to God.

Prepare for victory. Trumpets are a call to battle. God’s people have always faced enemies. There have always been battles to fight and evil to subdue. Joshua follows where God leads. He knows that God is with him. In this one truth, there is victory. The outcome of the battle does not depend on our own strength or cunning. The call of the trumpets is a call to keep our eyes on our General. Triumph and victory are found in Him alone.

The symbol of God’s presence leads the people into battle. As the army walks around Jericho, they see the ark. They know God is leading them. Their eyes can see the gold shining in the sun. Like fire in the night, God’s presence calls the army to follow. Each step the army takes has already been walked by God.

As the walls of Jericho crash to earth, Joshua sees the fulfillment of God’s promise. The battle is won and the victory is secure. Not because of Joshua’s strength or the Israelites’ bravery. The victory rests in the presence of God.

What do you need to do today to more fully open your eyes to the presence of God? Embedding the Bible helps us lift our eyes from ourselves and the walls that we face to see God’s presence in our lives.

This article comes from “Tell Me the Story: Heroes of Faith.” I hope it helps you experience the presence of God as your read your Bible this week.