Jericho - and the walls came tumblin' down

Why would God have us do such strange things?

Have you read the story of Joshua and the Israelites walking around the city walls of Jericho one time each day for six (6) straight days, then on the 7th day walking around 7 times and shouting? (Joshua 6: 1-21) What could be the reason for this? In Judges, God told Gideon that he had TOO many men to go into battle (Judges 7:2-8) so he told Gideon how to reduce the number (to 300!). Then when they went into battle a few verses later, He had them break jars as part of the battle plan. (See Judges 15-19 Break Jars! What could be the reason for breaking jars as part of war? God told the prophet Hosea to take an adulterous wife to illustrate Israel's adultery against God. I have a friend who roped off several of the back pews in the sanctuary one Sunday because she felt strongly that God wanted her to.

These are such strange things for God to ask. I'm sure He has a reason. But what could it be? Why would God have us do such strange things?

I wonder if it isn't simply to test us to see if we will obey. Did the ones participating in any of the strange requests learn anything? Did those who were witness of the events learn something? Did Israel turn from idol worship and commit themselves exclusively to God as a result of Hosea's obedience? I don't get that impression from the Bible. If I recall correctly, they were only better for a little while.

Seems to me that the ones who learned anything from these events are those who received and obeyed God's command, the one who received the request. The rest of the participants may have learned something - as a witness to an event might. I have to I think of the awesome confidence-builder those obedient acts were for those to whom the strange requests were made. How much more did Joshua obey because of this one act of obedience? How much more confidence did Gideon have when he reduced his army by 95% or more then broke jars and shouted to cause the enemy to run?

These may be tests in order for us to learn. God's way into our hearts is unique to each person. These are examples of that uniqueness. I find that astounding.

Dear God, Lord of all, thank you so much for the unique way you bring us closer to you, no matter how strange it seems to others. Let me follow when you call me to do something strange. Amen

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