Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Joshua 5 and Psalm 5

Having rededicated the people of God and celebrated the Passover, the time had almost come for Joshua to lead the invasion of the Promised Land. But then, as he is out on the plains contemplating the future invasion, we read that Joshua saw a warrior on the plains, standing with a drawn sword. Verse 13 says:

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 face down 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.

Joshua 5:13-15

Joshua needed to understand that the commander of the Lord’s army was not there to aid Joshua and Israel in THEIR battle. Rather, Joshua and Israel had been called to fight the Lord’s battle alongside Heaven’s Army.

In light of that encounter we pray: Lord Almighty, help me always to remember that You are not on MY side in the many battles of life, but that I have the enormous privilege of choosing to be on YOUR side. Today I choose to dedicate my life to fulfilling YOUR mission for me, rather than expecting YOU to do what I want you to do. Amen.