Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Joshua 5:13-15 – Praying through the Bible #64 – A Prayer When God is “Neither”
Did you ever dare to wonder in prayer, out loud, or in the secret recesses of your own mind, if God is a friend or foe? The answer today, right now, just might be, “neither.”
The writer of Joshua wants to exalt Joshua as the successor of Moses: God speaks to both Moses and Joshua (1.1); Joshua is Moses’ successor (1.5; 4.14); Both send spies (2.1); Both cross water on dry land: Red Sea – Jordan River (3); Both establish a Memorial: Passover – Stones (4); There is a connection to Egypt (5.9); Passover Again (5); Holy Ground (5.13-15); Miracle workers (10.14); and Covenant makers (24.25).
In Joshua 5, we have the holy ground scene repeated. At first glance Joshua sees “a man” with a “drawn sword” (5.13). About to begin a military campaign prompts a timely question: “Are you for us or for our enemies?” (5.13). Just as Joshua is confused by this appearance, I am confused by his answer: “Neither” (5.14). Because “Joshua bowed with his face to the ground in worship” (5.14), this “man” probably is a theophany, even the “Angel of the LORD” which many think is a pre-incarnate role of the Jesus Christ.
Why “neither?” Joshua is ready to lead Israel’s invasion, by the command of God, to capture Jericho (5.13). God’s leader has begun preparing the people by reestablishing circumcision and the Passover (5.2-11). Sometimes to go forward, we must first go backwards. Joshua restores lost religious practices. Hearing “neither,” Joshua again “prays” a timely question: “What does my Lord want to say to His servant?” (5.14). Right now, the divine answer is not “March,” but “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy” (5.15). “And Joshua did so” (5.15). God’s Commander says it is not time to battle, but time to worship. It is not time to enter into the presence of the enemies, but time to enter the presence of the Lord.
God gives us our own “Jericho’s” to overcome; our own Promise Land challenges. Just as Joshua prepared the people spiritually, God is preparing Joshua. Before we battle others, first stand on holy ground with God. When we become too busy to worship because of moral combat for the Lord, God is “neither” for us nor for our enemies. God is waiting. Ultimately God is for us, He is our friend. But sometimes the real issue is not whether God is friend or foe, but rather who or what are we. At times the timely issue is not whether God is for us or against us, but rather have we taken time to enter into His holiness. For all leaders, do not be so busy preparing others that you forget to prepare yourself by standing on holy ground. When we think it is time for confrontation, and we pray asking if God is on our side or theirs, but God answers “neither;” then it is time to take off our shoes, take off the world’s worries, and worship the Holy One in holiness.
Prayer Challenge: We have battles every day and need to prepare through obedience, and cutting off reminders of our sinful lives. We need to prepare by entering into the presence of God, remembering He is holy. How can we show God’s holiness today?
Comments