THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR
The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is his name. (Exod. 15:3 ESV)
In our devotions we have seen the Lord fighting for our benefit. Lastly, we saw the Lord fighting, to liberate his people, in the Exodus at the Red Sea. Now we’ll witness the Lord fighting ‘with’ his people, training warriors to be people of courage and character.
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle (Ps. 144:1 ESV).
After Israel had spent 40 years in the Wilderness, they had become people of moral character to be fit vessels for the Lord’s use. The Lord is going to use Israel as an instrument of liberation. Remember, the Lord is in the liberation business, and freedom from tyranny and exploitation will be His goal, both spiritually and practically.
Israel was ready to conquer the Promised Land, and lay claim to the property that the Lord had given to them (Gen. 15:18-21). Moses, Israel’s leader, had died and his right- hand man, Joshua was now their leader. Their first battle will be for the city of Jericho, a colossal fortified city.
Before the battle, Joshua was scouting the city and ran into a man: When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” (Joshua 5:13 ESV). This sounds like a reasonable question, trying to identify if one is a friend or foe.
The logical answer should be, either “I’m for”; or “I’m against.” But the answer comes from this mysterious warrior – ‘No.’ Huh? What is this? He gives an explanation: And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” (5:14).
This sounds very esoteric, but Joshua immediately knows who this is: And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” (5:14). Joshua did not recognize him, but he knew the voice: At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel a second time.” (5:2). The Lord and Joshua had conversations in the past, Joshua had not seen Him equipped as a warrior. However, Joshua knew His voice, now he puts the voice and image together.
Joshua sees the Lord ‘standing,’ poised for action, with the sword drawn. The picture is of the Lord prepared to be aggressive. The Lord is a willing warrior, not squeamish or reluctant to be forceful: Now I have come.“(5:14). Wait a second here! The Lord does not ask Joshua what kinds of weapons Israel has, nor their troop strength, nor their training.
Joshua gets a glimpse of this fearsome warrior, who looks like a Special Forces veteran, and worships! Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” (5:14). Joshua gives absolute allegiance to the Lord’s plan and His leading. Joshua had an overwhelming desire to worship. For Joshua, worship was natural and it was immediate, and was appropriate. It was not sycophantic groveling. Additionally, he asked for orders: “What does my lord say to his servant?”
The Lord starts with one order – purity. Joshua’s request for guidance is addressed by first things – holiness. The Lord does not ask for scalps, or POW’s, or feats of great daring, the Lord asks for further worship. Joshua has already bowed, the Lord receives this, yet more was necessary. The Lord asks for further acts of the will, respect for the Lord’s person, and the Lord’s presence.
And the commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. (5:15). This reminds us of Joshua’s predecessor, Moses at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:5). Purity of the Lord’s presence is incumbent upon all. The Lord reminds all the Israelites: and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. (Exod. 19:6 ESV). Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. (Lev. 20:7 ESV).
This is the same command for any follower of Jesus Christ: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Pet. 1:16 ESV). The Lord does not ask about your fighting prowess, he expects you to become holy! You experience holiness through worship. You desire to live your life from heaven to earth – not from earth to heaven. Heaven comes to you, and like Joshua, you bow in humility and adoration. It’s not a suggestion, it’s a command.
Is the Lord demanding perfection? He’s asking for your heart. He’ll make you holy.
One must understand the concept of the holiness of God, to comprehend that the coming ruthlessness by Israel, is directed by a holy God. The coming battle is a righteous act. Failure to recognize Jehovah as holy, as righteous, will put Him in a perspective, not as holy, but as a gruesome tyrant. Jehovah is going to use Israel to bring judgment. He will not soften the consequences – otherwise He would not be just.
Your respect for his holiness, is the beginning of your spiritual warfare training.
THE WARRIOR’S PRAYER
Dear Heaven Father,
Thank you for accepting me into your presence. It is the safest place in the entire Universe, where I receive approval, that I have not earned. Additionally, you assure me, since I have accepted your Son, that: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 8:1 ESV). My history is completely removed, and my future is your concern. What a glorious exchange!
Now I am free to ask for Your help. Make me a man that can represent You, to the World. My desire is let people see You as a safe place for them. Let my mouth and my life reveal Your glory, so people get a glimpse of Your majesty. Please, destroy my fears, and enhance my strengths. Let me desire to be godly when I’m alone. Let me be authentic with my faith, boldly expressing Your great care and concern. When my family sees me, let them see Jesus with flesh on, not my old character and nature. Let my old nature be destroyed, never having a place in my life again.
Let this verse be my goal: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Cor. 5:17 ESV). Let my new life be natural, not a duty. Let my new life be a reality, not a façade. Let my new life be desired by others, since it is so bountiful. Let me represent You, and let it be done with certainty. I want You to receive glory, and I want people to know You, not just hear about You. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
