The Commander of the Lord's Army

Joshua 5:13-6:27

Whoa! Are you for us or for our adversaries? This is a good question or so you would think. It is good to know where you stand with the people you meet. But it is a deceptive question. Now granted, Joshua meets a man with a sword so the adversarial question might easily spring to mind, and sure he was on his way to battle, but in the end the answer is not what he expected.

"No; But I am the commander of the Army of the Lord." When the Lord said he would fight for them this is not quite what we might have expected. But let's look at it. First thing I need to remember is that it is not me who asks the Lord to fight for me, I need to ask the Lord where he would have me do battle. Where is He working, and then align myself with Him. So when the Commander of the Army of the Lord appears to me it is not I that is the adversary. Next the "commander" says take off your sandals this ground is Holy. That sounds remarkably like what the Lord said to Moses and Jacob before him. This "Commander" is an angel of the Lord. (Smart move Joshua: "What does my lord say to his servant?" - good thing to establish right off the bat-I (meaning Joshua) am not in charge here.)

Those poor Israelites, all this time...if they had only known what the Lord would do in their midst. They were afraid of the people in the land, and yet they had nothing to fear because the fear of the Lord was upon the inhabitants. I notice that the people of Jericho were holed up inside for fear of the Israelites. I also notice the suspense that would build with the Israelites just walking silently around the city. What a remarkable thing to see. Joshua carefully led the people and did all that the Lord commanded.

This is a good pattern for us. When we see the angel of the Lord, pay attention, and when the Lord gives directions, pay attention. And wear sandals-oh no that's not it. Just be prepared to be standing on Holy ground. Prepare ourselves to be in the Lords presence.

See you tomorrow,
-maggie