“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, ‘Are You for us or for our adversaries?'”  Joshua 5:13

Questions and Answers

Can you imagine it? You are in a pressure cooker situation wondering how to proceed. You look up. You lift up your eyes. Perhaps you had been praying. Behold! Unexpectedly you are gazing into the fiery eyes of God Himself. He stands opposite you, immediately before you. You can’t miss Him. Could I even breathe? Would my heart just stop beating?

His sword is drawn in His hand. He is a Warrior and a righteous Commander. He stands in battle array and is ready for swift and decisive action. Is He for me or against me? Will I even survive this encounter?

Joshua went to Him. He did not run away from God, but toward God. He drew near to ask His intentions. “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” What a heart Joshua had to seek after God.

I have always loved the divine response. “No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come” (Joshua 5:14). Joshua asked the wrong question. Our thinking is too small. Our vision is too dim. It is not whether God is for us or against us, but whether we are for God.

Joshua’s response was perfect as he fell on his face and worshipped. The next question was the right question. “What does my LORD say to His servant?” (Joshua 5:14). What would You have me do? What are my orders?

The Commander’s answer pointed to God’s holiness. Joshua removed his shoes, for he was standing on holy ground. God would have us begin by rendering the honor and reverence due to His great name. Sometimes the best thing is to worship before Him, acknowledging all He is, getting our eyes off circumstances and fixing on the One who is ever able. Direction and action may follow, but they flow out of time on our faces before the Commander of the LORD’s army.

“Father, You are worthy of our utmost devotion. Forgive us for getting caught up in our own stuff as though we had any strength or wisdom to solve our own challenges. May we ever walk in Your plans and purposes. We choose You. Amen.”