“And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him.” – 1 Kings 16:30 

Scripture reading: Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings 16:29-34; Hebrews 11:30

As the gateway to Canaan, Jericho’s fallen walls proclaimed a message. There was a song in those ruins sung for centuries. No Israelite could pass by without reading the declaration spelled out in its pile of stones: this city was received as a gift of grace through faith in Israel’s God. Hence, God’s curse upon anyone who would rebuild it. That Word, pronounced by Joshua, bound the judges and kings up to the time of Ahab. Though they did much to strengthen the cities of their kingdom, they allowed Jericho’s ruins to speak. Though they often broke God’s commands, they did not disturb those fallen walls.

But Ahab represents a turning point in Israel’s history. He needed a strong border – right where Jericho stood! Thus, he couldn’t escape the question as to how he was to defend his country. Was he to rely on the Lord, or on human strength? Deaf to Jericho’s divine message, he could only see this unfortified city as a threat. The purpose of Hiel’s rebuilding was not to make it habitable again – for there were already people there – but to make it a fortress again. Ahab’s trust was not in the Lord, but in weapons and fortifications. Jericho was no longer to be a testimony to the gospel of God, but to the power of Ahab.

In regard to your salvation and blessing, where is your trust? In Christ alone, or in your own abilities Who is your refuge and strength? Will you live by faith in God’s infallible Word or by sight?

Suggestions for prayer

Ask the Lord to show you where you lack faith in Him. Implore Him for His grace, in the face of your temptations, trials and fears, to trust and live by His unfailing Word.

Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.