Tactic and strategy

God's methods of accomplishing his purposes are infallible. Do not try to understand their strategies because it will be impossible. Their tactics? Do not imagine it. Strategy is the art of directing action, tactics the art of executing it. It is that God is unusual in his behavior because he is sovereign. When a God-fearing people decide to submit to his will, any action on their behalf makes sense. On the contrary, the people who intentionally decide on corruption and debauchery as a way of life and turn their backs on it, cannot hope for anything good. This was the case of Jericho that Joshua would conquer, the so-called city of the moon and also the city of palm trees (Deut. 34.3). The Jericho where Jesus walked centuries later, near the Jordan where he would also be baptized and not far from the desert place where he overcame temptations, the city where Zacchaeus was "born again."

The inhabitants and warriors of Jericho could not have suspected that the wall would fall with the sound of an instrument of praise such as the leather bugle (Shofar) and the unanimous cry of the hosts of God (Joshua 6:20). A strategy similar to that used for the Jordan crossing is repeated. The priests at the forefront and the Ark of God instilling confidence before the army of the Lord. If God is ahead, we must not doubt the victory. So what shall we say to this? If God is for us, who will be against us?

However, the trial would come to contempt and the depravity of a city given over to violence and disorder. Disobedience is an act of rebellion against God. Only Rahab and her family, the whore who hid Joshua's spies in her home, would be saved from God's justice. Jericho fell because Joshua obeyed God's instructions to the letter. He followed His strategy and held on to His divine tactics. But a remnant was left alive; a woman who would become honored because many years later she would be in the genealogy of the Jesus-man, the Messiah.

History repeats itself over and over again. Sin has dire consequences. God never tires of knocking on the door and knocking. He calls to offer us heaven as a gift, calls to save from fire and eternal damnation, calls to enter our life offering us the banquet of his presence… but few listen to his voice and open the door (Ap. 3.20). The man without Christ, boasts of living in his Jericho of iniquity, vices and ignorance. That is why Christ erected His church; to be an instrument of salvation and to work where he is working to heal the sick heart of a fallen world that overlooks the justice and love of God.

If you live (study, work) somewhere like Jericho, stay away! God forgives the one who repents and overflows his rivers of mercy. His strategy has always been to seek you out, despite your resistance; the best ingredient in His tactic is His incredible love. Observe, meditate and praise the Lord. Church! Blow the Shofar - the trumpet - that he has placed in your hands and you will see the glory of God when the walls that try to contain the unstoppable advance of the Kingdom of God fall!

God bless your Word!

Suggested reading. Joshua 6