GOD OF THE NEITHER

I was reading the other day and came about this scriptural passage which got me thinking. 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?”

“Neither,” the man 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?” - Joshua 5:14

Joshua was an old testament figure who after the death of Moses led the Hebrews throughout the land of Canaan. There on the outskirts of the city Jericho, Joshua had an encounter with a “man” brandishing a sword. This imposing stranger warranted being asked, “Are you here to fight on our side or fight for them?” The man didn’t reply, “I’m here for you” or “I’m here to battle for your cause”

It was clear. No. I am here for the Lord. This commander brought about a serious and important question… Joshua, are you on the Lord’s side?

This question was not only important back then for Joshua but it is still an important question today, for you and for me. For those who claim their hearts in Christ this is paramount.

We are prone to urges of huddling up with our own tribe. To living in our own comforting echo chambers. We put ourselves and our causes in the forefront. We pray that God be with us and do for us and clear paths for us, but while that isn’t inherently a bad thing, do we consider the question, “But are we WITH God. Are we about such as is found in the sermon on the mount? Are we quick to offer mercy or the benefit of the doubt to others? Are we about being peacemakers? Do we bridle our tongues? Tongues which when left unchecked can burn a life down? Do we come to conclusions impulsively without any forethought as to what the rest of the story is? Do we seek unity and work with one another despite differences or try to understand where another is coming from instead of making rash decisions based upon perceived slights? Do we when stricken, opt to turn the other cheek and not thirst for retribution? I am by no means above this, I speak to myself as well.

Love, faith, equity, being last rather than jockeying for the front of the line.... having a humble and contrite heart and touching those with grace and understanding. These are the things that bring you alongside God. These are the things that realign your thoughts so you are with God.

The commander of the Armies of the Lord came to lead Joshua and his people through their journeys. And He is doing the same today. He did not come to take sides. He came to lead. He came that you might follow Him. And Him alone. To lead all who would follow. Together. And in unity.