Captain's meditation on Joshua 5, who is on the Lord's side?

If you read Joshua chapter 5:13-15 you will read the story of Joshua just prior to the battle of Jericho. Before the famous march around the city and the victory given by God we read Joshau finding "a man" (actually an angel) with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" "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?" 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.

If you have something to face in your life for God, whether it be a holiness issue, a habit, sin, addiction, or an actual physical enemy - the question isn't is God for us or against us, the question is "are we on the Lord's side". Let's make sure before we go off to battle today, that we have met with God, bowinging in humble obedience and reverence, ready to hear the battle strategy from our Lord. It is no little matter that before hearing the word of God for a specific victory, first Joshua was told to approach in a manner of holiness.

Let's make sure in our prayers and planning today, we aren't telling God what we are doing and inviting His blessings on our plans, but rather that we have positioned ourselves for His plans.

As I mentioned in my sermon this past week - my 5 year old (soon to be 6 year old daughter) sang these words in the van on the way to school, and I pray that it is our honest proclamation today…

707 Who is on the Lord's side? Who will

1. Who is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers other lives to bring? Who will leave the world's side? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord's side? Who for Him will go?

By thy grand redemption, By thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side; Savior, we are thine.

3. Jesus, thou hast bought us, Not with gold or gem, But with thine own life-blood for thy diadem. With thy blessing filling each who comes to thee, Thou hast made us willing, Thou hast made us free.

4. Fierce may be the conflict, Strong may be the foe, But the King's own army none can overthrow. Round His standard ranging, victory is secure, For His truth unchanging Makes the triumph sure.

Master, thou wilt keep us, By thy grace divine. Always on the Lord's side, Savior, always thine.

Live holy, preach Jesus!