"When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city."
-Joshua 6: 20

Walls

I have been thinking about walls recently. Walls have many uses in our world. Some of these are very positive. We use walls as foundations in our homes, walls can protect us, and provide us a safe haven. Many cities in ancient times, including Jerusalem, the Holy city of the Hebrews had walls built around them for protection and safety. However, sometimes walls in our lives can be negative things. I have built 'walls' around me at times in my life that isolated me from people who loved me. We build imaginary 'walls' that keep us in and others out. Walls that become barriers in relationships with family and friends. Perhaps we have even built walls in our minds that keep us from a relationship with God? What can we learn about walls from the Bible?

One wall we can read about in the Bible is the wall that surrounded the city of Jericho. Joshua had taken over leadership of the tribes of Israel after the death of Moses. The Israelites had been promised the land of Canaan as their home ('the Promised Land'). The walled city of Jericho stood in the way. It was an obstacle in the path of the Israelites and God's plan for them. Do you have a 'walled city of Jericho' in your life? Something that is keeping you from God's plan for you? What happened at Jericho? You can read about it in Joshua 6. God gave Joshua very specific directions for overtaking the city. When Joshua and the Israelites followed God's plan the walls came crashing down. "When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shot, the wall collapsed..." (Joshua 6: 20 above) When you follow God's plan for your life (prayer, studying His Word, etc...) the 'walls' that keep you from becoming all you can be for Him will come crashing down! Try it.

A second story about walls can be found in the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. This book continues the history of the Jews upon their return from exile in Babylon. When they arrive back in Jerusalem they find that the wall of the city has been destroyed. Their symbol of safety, protection, and strength wiped out. Nehemiah leads the people in rebuilding of that wall. Nehemiah and the Jews had to overcome many obstacles as they rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem (ridicule, opposition from enemies, etc...) but they pressed on. They placed their faith in God and here was the result. "So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God." (Nehemiah 6: 15-16) With God on your side you can do anything! Rebuild that 'wall of faith' in your life and watch your 'enemies lose their self-confidence.' Build this wall of faith in God around your life and watch your burdens fade away. Rest in the comfort and safety of our Lord.

One final example of walls in the Bible can be found in the book of Revelations. In chapter 21 we read about the New Jerusalem. Our home of the future. Verses 10-21 give a very detailed description of the wall that will surround this city. A small sample, "The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone." (Revelation 21: 18-19) WOW! What beauty! Even more than we can imagine. Just think of all the thought that God has put into making this home for you. This wall that will surround the city of our salvation. I very much look forward to being there some day. We can learn a lot about walls from the Bible. We know that by abiding in God's Word we can destroy the Jericho's in our lives. We know that through faith in Him we can rebuild the 'walls' of Jerusalem like Nehemiah and find safety and protection from our enemies. We see in Revelations a wonderful glimpse of the home our Lord and Savior is preparing for us in the New Jerusalem. Thank you Lord! Amen!

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God."
-Nehemiah 6: 15-16

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