When God gave His instructions to Joshua for the conquering of Jericho, there were numerous details involved. The Israelites were to “march around the city” (Josh. 6:3)? What if they wanted to run instead? No! March! They were to “go all around the city once” for “six days” (6:3). What they did it for five days? What about eight days? What if they got it all out of the way in one day? No! Details matter to God! The seven priests with trumpets were to go “before the ark” (6:4). What about behind the ark? No! Before the ark—just like God said.
We could keep going, but you get the idea. When God specifies, it is not up to man to innovate or substitute! The same is true today! When God specifies for men to take positions of leadership in the church and its worship (1 Tim. 2:8-14), those details are not optional. When God specifies for singing in worship (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) and weekly communion (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; 16:1-2), those details are not optional.
When God specifies, man must obey! There is no room for man’s innovations (Rev. 22:18-19)!
