Conquering Canaan

Song: The Walls Came Tumbling Down

Scripture: Joshua 6:1-27

Modern cinematography and pyrotechnics have made a show of demolishing buildings. Imagine the quaking foundations, the falling rubble, the cloud of dust, and the sounds of trumpet blares, victory cries, crumbling walls, and astonished wails from a people who had been watching Israel’s seven day procession with bemusement—all the sights and sounds of Jericho’s fall!

Joshua is the record of Israel’s conquest of Canaan in 1405 BC. Jericho’s fall is one of many extraordinary accounts recorded in the book containing profound lessons for today.

Faith is the victory. Israel’s victory at Jericho and other conquered cities was the product of faith. Canaan’s cities were no less fortified in Joshua’s time than they were in Moses’ day. One generation fell in the wilderness, another generation inherited Canaan. That’s the difference faith makes.

Leadership is the difference. Joshua’s generation prevailed. “As for me and my house” was replaced by the “every man did what was right in his own eyes” policy of the Judges period. That’s the difference leadership makes—spiritual leadership, not financial or executive leadership.

“We” is the enemy. The real enemy Israel had to conquer was not Canaan but themselves. They had to conquer their doubts, their fears, their covetousness (remember Achan?), their idolatry. That enemy is still besetting God’s people today. That’s the difference the heart makes—out of it proceeds all the uncleanness that defiles a man.

Keep your faith, lead your own, conquer self is the message of Joshua. It’s the strategy for victory.

Jason Moore