Ask Ellen: What spiritual lesson can we learn from the battle of Jericho?

What spiritual lesson can we learn from the battle of Jericho?  Joe.


I saved this question until now.  I thought it would be appropriate since we are in the Book of Joshua.  The spiritual application that I see is the value of liturgical warfare.

The Israelites were up against a formidable opponent.  It was seemingly impossible to bring down the walls of Jericho and lay siege on the city.  Yet the Israelites triumphed.  They answered the battle call with liturgy.  They walk in unified motion, marching around the city.  They blew trumpets as a battle cry and united through music.  And they prayed.

This makes me reflect on what we do at Mass.  We also have a worthy opponent, the world.  Yet we join together with our motions, our words and our music to break down walls.  I think that is the beauty of liturgy.

I encourage you to think about this when you attend Mass this weekend. (especially during this joyous season of Easter).  Pray that you begin to realize the power you have been given through the Liturgy.  Pray that we all do.

Follow Me

We have met Miriam and the Talking Ass in the Book Of Numbers.  This week we move on to a book bearing our friend’s name, Joshua.  This book is important to understanding Salvation History.  It tells of the time when Israel was finally given the land they were promised way back when.

Read Joshua 1:1-9.  In this section, we see what it takes to be a leader in God’s economy.  I notice 5 key attributes that God uses to describe a leader.  A leader:

1- is firm.  The dictionary says this means “not weak or uncertain; solid, strong, mighty.”
2- is steadfast.  The dictionary says this means “firmly fixed in place; constant, dedicated, devoted, loyal, dependable.”
3- Does not swerve.  The dictionary says this means  “to turn aside abruptly from the course; fall off, deviate.”
4- does not fear.  The dictionary says this means “not apprehensive, does not expect harm; no anxiety, dread or panic.”
5- is not dismayed.  The dictionary says this means “not to lose courage or resolution: not frustrated, let down or discontent.”

How could Joshua be all of these things?  Simply by relying on God.  Look at what God promises Joshua in verses 3, 5 and 9.  What does God expect of Joshua?  Faith in God.  Joshua is told to uphold the Law and keep it always before him.  If he does this, God guarantees him success.  He offers us the same.

This brings us to Joshua’s issue, leadership.  Joshua is an effective leader because he does what God tells him to do.  We are given the same opportunity.  But many of us struggle with leadership for various reasons.  We might be a natural leader, but we become power hungry.  We want a position simply to better ourselves.  Or maybe we are inclined to lead, but we swerve all over the place due to our own insecurities.  Lastly, many of us undermine leadership.  Maybe we resent it or have had a bad experience with someone in authority over us.

God’s prescription for leadership cures all of this.

We cant be power hungry if we are seeking the position for God.  It actually leads to humility.  The goal becomes to make God more evident in the world.  We can’t swerve all over the place if we allow God to direct our leadership.  We find security in Him.  Finally, we cannot undermine leadership.  We must understand that God’s Kingdom is based on leaders.  He obviously places high value on them.  Just look at Joshua.  This was not a case of every man for himself.

This week take a look at the role leadership plays in your own life.  How do you measure up to the five things God outlined to Joshua?  Ask yourself the following questions:

Am I firm in my decisions?

Am I steadfast in my faith?

Do I swerve all over the place?

Am I fearful?

Do I lose courage when tested?

Do I rely solely on God?

Do I keep His Word?

Am I avoiding leadership roles?

Do I undermine authority?

Because 40 Days Is A LONG Time

Click on the Gracieland icon on the bottom right of the screen to see this week's webstrip.  To see a collection of all the strips, please visit        http://greetingsfromgracieland.com/

Tuesday Table Talk

Ask your child:

Have you ever wondered the same thing as Gracie?

If you were Noah, which animal would have been your favorite?

What does Gracie mean when she says, "nobody wants to discuss theology anymore?"

Joshua and Leadership

What Makes a Good leader?

Click on the Gracenotes link above to hear this week's podcast. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for a brand new Gracieland webstrip.

In honor of Holy Week, we will be silent for the next days.  

Why Does Your Garden Grow?

Click on the the Gracieland icon on the bottom right of the home page to see this week's webstrip.  To see a collection of all the strips, please visit:  http://greetingsfromgracieland.com/

Tuesday Table Talk

Ask your child:

Which of the things that Gracie's mom is planting is your favorite?

Why is Gracie's dad surprised?

What hobbies do your parents have?

Holy Week In Two Minutes