symbol of fear

Joshua 6:6-7 (JDV)

Joshua 6:6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests together and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven trumpets in front of the ark of Yahveh.”
Joshua 6:7 He said to the troops, “Move forward, march around the city, and have the armed men go ahead of the ark of Yahveh.”

symbol of fear

We are not used to thinking of the ark as a symbol of fear, but that was what it was for the inhabitants of Jericho. For seven days, seven priests blew seven trumpets as the people of Jericho watched. An army preceded the ark, but it was God’s presence in it that brought terror to the hearts of these people.

Until we are ready to see our God in all his almighty power, we have not seen him yet. Until we learn to respect his greatness, we are not prepared for his goodness. We must learn to abhor and fear the consequences of our sin before we can embrace his grace.

Lord, you are surrounding us with your power. Break down our walls so that we can experience the power of your renewal through repentance.