Week 12
On the seventh day, they rose early and marched around the city in the same way seven times. On this day only they marched around the city seven times. On the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for God has given you the city! The city and everything in it shall be destroyed as an offering to God. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in the house shall live, because she hid the messengers that we sent.”—Josh. 6:15–17
Jesus answered, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance a priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.”—Luke 10:30–33
When God calls you into a quest, he will often provide help—and from unexpected sources.
Jericho fell because God acted and because Rahab, a prostitute, played a pivotal role. In Jesus’ parable, help came not from religious leaders, but from a Samaritan—someone despised by the culture.
God is not bound by our assumptions. When you respond to God’s call to participate in a good work, remember that he is preparing the way. So, be alert. Watch for provision and help that may come from people you’ve mistakenly believed are the most unlikely to provide it.
Reflection Questions
What experiences have you had receiving help from unexpected sources? Did you connect those sources with God’s provision?
Lord, what are you teaching me in today’s reading?
Lord, what else have you said to me through thoughts, circumstances, conversations, emotions, or the work of the enemy?
Lord, what do you want me to do: At home? At work? In ministry?