A Daily Devotion for Monday, September 18

Joshua 6:1-20

Vs 20: When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.

This is the story of the city of Jericho, falling to the Israelites. The Lord spoke to Joshua through a messenger who identified himself as "commander of the army of the Lord". The army was given instructions to march around the city of Jericho once each day blowing trumpets and carrying the ark of the Lord. They were to do this for six days and on the seventh day they were to march seven times around the city, continuing to blow the horns. At the final long blast of the trumpet, they were to shout! At that time the walls of Jericho did fall, and the army was able to take over the city. Why the trumpets and the long, drawn out process? I am sure there are many opinions about this. Did the music calm the citizens of the city, leaving them more vulnerable? Or did the music intensify their fear and eventually leave them in a panic, unable to defend themselves? In any event, the music was a powerful part of this plan delivered to Joshua by God. Certainly we will never need to use music in this way. But, I can see that music holds a certain power over us, allowing us to shift our attention and our mood. I am certain that God intended music for good, and music is good for us in so many ways. But it also can be a powerful tool.

Holy Lord, you have created me with a love of music which has lasted a lifetime. Thank you for the opportunities to share music with others for a positive outcome. May your love for your creation be evident through me. Amen

Becky, transforming