February 6, 2015
Joshua 5-Part 2
And the captain of the LORD's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. and Joshua did so. Joshua 5:15
LET IT GLOW
Was Joshua meditating a scheme, a battle plan, for subduing the city of Jericho?
Was Joshua praying for God's direction?
Did he go to a hill and overlook the strong, fortified city of Jericho?
Was he alone or surrounded by his army of men?
We aren't told the details surrounding this situation, so let's jump into it.
What are we told that happened, before God gave Joshua the battle plan (chapter 6)?
- Joshua lifted up his eyes and looked. It usually indicates an unexpected or marvelous sight (Gen.18:2; 22:13; Num. 24:2; 1Sam. 6:13).
- He saw a man standing in front of him with a sword drawn in his hand. Joshua didn't recognize who the man was. He was caught off guard. With a drawn sword, the man was obviously ready for battle. Most commentaries agree that this was the Lord Jesus Christ, since the man identifies himself as captain of the host of the LORD.
- Here is Joshua's commander-in-chief standing before him. Joshua receives his orders from this One and gave a report to Him. God was pulling rank on Joshua. Joshua was quick to acknowledge His leadership.
- This is the Lord Jesus Christ in a preincarnate appearance (Christophany). He came as the angel(Messenger) of the Lord, as if He were a man. It was the appearance of God in human form.
LET IT GROW
Joshua asked the man a question, Are you for us or for our enemies?
Joshua wanted to know which he was speaking to before he went any further, right? He was in the will of God, so Joshua had the courage to ask it.
When the person identified Himself, what response did Joshua make?
- He fell on his face to the earth. Joshua knew He was in the presence of the holy Messiah and Son of God-Jesus Christ. Joshua recognizes who is really in charge, showing reverence.
- Joshua worshiped his Savior, calling Him my Lord.
- Joshua asked, "What message does my Lord have for His servant?" Joshua realized that Jesus was there with a specific purpose-reveal God's strategy for Israel's victory in conquering Jericho.
- Joshua took off his shoes when Jesus told him to do so. The place where Joshua was, where the Lord was standing, was holy ground. This was a cultural custom in showing respect.
Does He require us to take off something? (pride, self-centeredness, etc.)
Not only had Joshua had a personal encounter with the Lord God, but Moses had a similar experience in Exodus 3 at the burning bush. Jesus appeared to Abraham as a Traveler (Gen. 18:1-3). Now He appeared to Joshua as "a Man of war." (Arthur Pink)
Awe and respect are the responses due to our holy God. How can we show it? Our attitudes and actions reveal God's power, authority, and love.
How would we react if we had such an encounter?
In the Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren says:
As Joshua approached the biggest battle of his life, he encountered God, fell in worship before him, and surrendered his plans. That surrender led to a stunning victory at Jericho. This is the paradox: Victory comes through surrender. Surrender doesn't weaken you; it strengthens you. Surrendered to God, you don't have to fear or surrender to anything else. Surrender is not the best way to live; it is the only way to live. Nothing else works.Are we surrender to God? Is our all surrendered? See Luke 9:23, James 4:7, Romans 12.
[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary, Guzik Bible Commentary, Clarke's Bible Commentary, Life Application Study Bible, The Jeremiah Study Bible, Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament,]
LET IT GO
...of the convenient things, let God direct.
...of the easy and costless activities, follow God.
...of the possible and watch God do the impossible.
Fall on my face, surrendering and worshiping the only True, Living God.
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