At What Price
In Joshua 4, there is a stunning miracle of God where the Jordan River dries up so that the Israelites can cross. It’s an amazing moment. God reminds the people that he is not only real but he is for them. We all long for moments like that, but we aren’t all exactly desiring what happens in next.
In Joshua 5 the Israelites are now in enemy territory. They are up against giants. However the enemy nations hear about God’s river miracle and all of a sudden are trembling in fear. The people of God shout, “Victory is at hand! The Lord is with us.” And then Joshua tells all the people something that ruins the moment. Everything was going perfect and Joshua commands them to build knives and circumcise all the men. It’s like God is saying, “Make sure they are truly mine. Let them first be tested before I grant any victories.”
We all want miracles, victories, revival, blessings, providence, fortune, and holiness. However being a disciple of Jesus comes at a price. It will cost us nothing and yet it costs everything. God’s grace is the most free and yet most precious commodity in the universe. Before we take Jericho, let’s remember what the Israelites gave up at Gilgal.
