Daily Bread: Faith That Takes a Stand

😇 Shalom to all.
God’s word today:

“By FAITH the walls of Jericho fell down AFTER they were encircled for seven days. By FAITH the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she HAD RECEIVED the spies with peace.”
‭‭(Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

The walls of Jericho did not fall simply because the Israelites believed that God was able to bring them down. They had to do what God commanded them to do.

They obeyed by marching around the city for six days, and on the seventh day they marched around it seven times. Then they shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. From a human perspective, such an action may have seemed unreasonable.
* They walked because they believed.
* They kept walking even though the walls had not yet fallen.
* They obeyed God’s command before they saw the result.

Faith says:
“Because God has spoken, I will obey—even though I have not yet seen the miracle.”

Rahab lived in Jericho, a city that was destined to face God’s judgment. But when she heard about the LORD, the God of Israel, her heart was filled with the fear of the LORD, and she chose to believe in Him.

In Joshua 2:9–11, Rahab acknowledged that the LORD had given the land to the Israelites, and she declared:
“The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath.”

This was Rahab’s confession of faith.

However, her faith did not stop with a confession. In obedience, Rahab welcomed and hid the Israelite spies who had been sent by Joshua. In fact, this action put her own life at risk. She could have been punished by the authorities of Jericho. But Rahab chose to take the side of God.

Rahab’s faith in the God of Israel was expressed by the fact that she “had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:31)

This is consistent with James 2:17, which explains the meaning of biblical faith:
“…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Our works—our actions—are not the price we pay to purchase salvation. We are saved by grace through faith. But genuine faith never remains alone. Biblical faith, living faith, produces obedience.

And when we act in obedience, we leave the results in God’s hands.

Reflect:
1. Am I willing to keep walking in obedience even when the “walls of obstacles” in my life have not yet fallen?
2. Is there something in Rahab’s example that reminds me to take a courageous step of faith, even when there is a risk involved?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may You enable Your servant to have faith that is accompanied by the courage to obey and to take my stand with You. When I have not yet seen the fulfillment of Your promises, please enable me to continue trusting Your Word and believing that You are faithful and mighty. Amen.

Bless you
ps caleblusi