People often ask, “okay, bad news first or the good news…” when giving information to someone. Inevitably, the person picks the bad news first to get it over with, so they can rest in the good news. I’m a classic for that strategy, weirdly, God isn’t – at least not when talking to Josh.
The Back Story
After determining the rank and position of now-named “Commander of the Lord’s army”, good news is given with all the bells and whistles. “See I have delivered Jericho into you hands, [but wait, there’s more], along with its king and its fighting men [and a set of Ginsu knives].” (Josh 6:2) (I added a bit).
The Commander gave him the specs of the assignment and the next paragraph is about Josh talking to his tactical team (a.k.a. priests), explaining all that was supposed to happen.
Thoughts
God gave the good news first. Ironically, God knows a bit about neurobiology. Science states that if you want someone to remember something, tell it to them first, with details to follow. This helps the brain know whether to keep the info to store into long term memory or to dismiss it. It also allows any info to follow a way to be organized. If God would have given all the details with the encouragement at the end, Josh may have gotten lost in the details and may not have connected with the huge encouragement for all the gusto in which it was presented.
SO, obviously, God wanted them to know something and keep it in their memories. He wanted them to know that they would win (if all strategic plans were followed through).
What is God telling you?
“Remember, when nothing seems to be happening”, I am with you.
“Remember, when all you have for your troubles are sore bunions and dusty feet”, I’ve got you.
“Remember, when the time drags on and on and on”, my promise about your situation will come to pass.
I AM fighting for you. (Psst…that means, we win.)
The tactical team were priests. Many commanding officers today have little do with deeper heart things of God. We could learn a thing or two from our ancient Israelite friends.
When you are over your head, who are your support people? Group Chats? Google? GOD?
When you are talking through the hard stuff of life, there are some that have the guts to go there and some… just don’t. It doesn’t mean that they aren’t nice people, chances are they are the ones you’d want to invite to a party, or talk about the art of macaroni stacking, but when it comes to the big stuff… meh?
Its wise to seek wisdom and you need discernment to know who is wise and who is trustworthy. Time tells a lot, but the Holy Spirit tells more. He’s the one that can share the heart of your Heavenly Father with you. He’s the kindest and most trustworthy person I have ever met. PLUS, he’s wise and he’s not stingy on sharing wisdom!
He’s FOR you and NOT against you. He wants to support you and give you wisdom as your stare at your own Jericho-sized problems that need to be brought down. Odds are, he might even come up with some unconventional strategies.
There are 18 verses between what WILL happen (Josh. 6: 2) and where the “real action” took place (Josh 6:20). Let’s be honest, there’s a lot of marching in the dust going on between those two verses.
What kind of discouragement dust are you having to push out of your way? Are you getting weary? Are your sandals wearing out?
Apostle Paul encourages us this way:
If God is for you (which he is) – If he has promised you something (He always has good things in store for you)- If he has spoken to your heart in a way that’s too-good-to-be-true-and-you’re-scared-to-even-believe, (but He always tells the truth, the absolute truth and nothing but the truth), then,
Isaiah 54
4 “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.
Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth
and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.
10 Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
11 “Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted,
I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise,[a]
your foundations with lapis lazuli.
12 I will make your battlements of rubies,
your gates of sparkling jewels,
and all your walls of precious stones.
13 All your children will be taught by the Lord,
and great will be their peace.
14 In righteousness you will be established:
Tyranny [oppression] will be far from you;
you will have nothing to fear.
Terror will be far removed;
it will not come near you.
15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing;
whoever attacks you will surrender to you.
17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.
Take a moment.
Let those words of love and support filter past your defenses and land deep in your soul.
As you wait between the walls falling and victory completed, you can cry out in this song: