"A Battle You Cannot Win!"
Scripture: Joshua 5:13-15 (NIV)
13 Now 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 went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”
14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Good morning House of Healing, it is so great to in fellowship with you and our God all Mighty.
Today, as we delve into Joshua 5:13-15, we are reminded of the eternal truth that our battles belong to the Lord. This narrative is not just a segment of Israel's history; it is a depiction of a spiritual reality that is still relevant to us.
Who Fights our Battles
As Joshua stood near Jericho, he encountered the commander of the Lord's army. This encounter illustrates a profound spiritual principle: the battles we face in life are not won by human strength or wisdom but by aligning ourselves with God's divine plan. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Ephesians 6:12, reminding us that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Joshua's question to the commander, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" reflects a human tendency to see conflicts in black and white. However, the commander's reply, "Neither... but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come," teaches us that God's perspective transcends our limited human viewpoints. This is echoed in Isaiah 55:8-9, where God says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord."
When Joshua falls face down in reverence, he demonstrates humility and submission to God's will, a vital lesson for us. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This passage encourages us to seek divine guidance in every situation.
The sacred ground where Joshua stood symbolizes a place of surrender and submission to God's authority. It reminds us of Moses' encounter with God in Exodus 3:5, where God tells Moses to take off his sandals, for the place where he is standing is holy ground. This act of taking off his sandals was an act of humility and recognition of God's holiness.
Our first rule is to Submit
We are reminded through this narrative that in every challenge we face, our first action should be submission to God. As 1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Our victory lies in our willingness to trust God and follow His lead.
In conclusion, let us be encouraged by this message. In our lives, we will face battles that seem insurmountable, but when we submit to God's will and seek His guidance, we are assured of His presence and victory. As Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
May this be an understanding guide in our daily walk with the Lord, giving us strength and confidence in the face of adversity.
Amen.
Lynn Sims
House of Healing
Chipley, Florida
Fellow minister! You may use this message in whole or part and way you choose as long as it brings glory to God.
