Jimbo's Jots

In Joshua 5, we read the people of Israel were promised victory over the Canaanites. Actually they were given that promise by God a generation earlier, but due to their lack of faith, God did not allow them to claim victory. Now this new generation under the leadership of Joshua is now ready to fight.

Later in their history, after being given permission to return to their homes after foreign captivity, the people were charged to reconstruct the walls surrounding Jerusalem.

Walls are good for privacy and protection. Walls provide support to a structure. Walls provide security.

In both of these moments—when Israel crossed into the Promised Land and when they returned from exile—walls became a symbol of God’s faithfulness and the people’s obedience. They were not just physical barriers, but spiritual reminders. The walls of Jericho fell because God fought for His people when they trusted Him. The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt because God restored His people when they turned their hearts back to Him.

In our relationships, walls play a powerful role. Sometimes we build walls to keep others out—walls of resentment, bitterness, or mistrust. These walls don’t protect; they isolate. They rob us of the connection God designed us for.

Other times, we neglect to build the walls we actually need—healthy boundaries. Just as the walls of Jerusalem gave safety and identity to God’s people, boundaries in relationships give us space for respect, trust, and love to grow.

When we look at the story of Jericho, we see walls that had to fall so that God’s people could enter into His promise. In our lives, some walls—like unforgiveness or pride—must come down if we are to enter into deeper, healthier relationships. But like the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem, some walls—like honesty, faithfulness, and compassion—must be strengthened if our relationships are to thrive.

God cares about our connections with one another. He calls us to tear down what divides and to build up what protects and nurtures.

In the end, walls are not the problem; it is how we use them that matters. God’s people learned that some walls had to fall before they could walk into His promises, and other walls had to be rebuilt so they could live securely in His presence. The same is true for us. In our faith and in our relationships, we must seek God’s wisdom to know which walls to bring down and which ones to build up. When we trust Him, He will tear down the barriers that keep us from His best and strengthen the foundations that hold our lives together.

Be blessed! Be a blessing to others!