Joshua 5-7
Daily Devotional from Joshua 5--
Verses 13-14a (CSB)
When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”
“Neither,” he replied. “I have now come as commander of the Lord’s army.”
This was a practical question. The Israelites were about to attack Jericho and battle was imminent, when an unknown soldier appeared. Joshua needed to know whether or not to draw his sword.
Yet, while God is leading Israel into the promised land, God is for God’s own side. Some within Jericho will be spared (like Rahab’s family), and Israel will sin and be held accountable (see Achan’s story in chapter 7).
It can be easy for those who follow God to see those who don’t as enemies, but God asks us to think differently, like his army commander (see Eph. 6:12). For one day you may be asked a similar question, “are you for us or for our enemies?” which could be from the world, an institution, or possibly even a government. Would you be able to answer “Neither, I am part of God’s kingdom?” If not, you aren't alone in that; take some time today and sit with why that is and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance through it.
Verses 13-14a (CSB)
When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”
“Neither,” he replied. “I have now come as commander of the Lord’s army.”
This was a practical question. The Israelites were about to attack Jericho and battle was imminent, when an unknown soldier appeared. Joshua needed to know whether or not to draw his sword.
Yet, while God is leading Israel into the promised land, God is for God’s own side. Some within Jericho will be spared (like Rahab’s family), and Israel will sin and be held accountable (see Achan’s story in chapter 7).
It can be easy for those who follow God to see those who don’t as enemies, but God asks us to think differently, like his army commander (see Eph. 6:12). For one day you may be asked a similar question, “are you for us or for our enemies?” which could be from the world, an institution, or possibly even a government. Would you be able to answer “Neither, I am part of God’s kingdom?” If not, you aren't alone in that; take some time today and sit with why that is and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance through it.
Robin Miller
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