Victory’s Battle Cry—A Study in Joshua Part 8— It’s Not About Me
Joshua 5: (NIV)”13 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.
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“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[e]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.”
So who was this man standing there with his sword in hand?
It appears to be obvious that this was Christ who appeared in his pre-incarnate body. No angel would command worship for they are not beings to be worshipped. No other could proclaim himself to be the commander of the Army of the Lord. We know that from Revelation 19. :(NIV) “his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”[a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.”
When Joshua saw this man with a sword drawn, notice Joshua’s question. “Are you for us or for our enemies?” Look at the reply, neither. I am not come to assist you—I am the one in Control of this situation and every situation you will ever face in this life or hereafter. I am not here to fulfill your agenda. I am here to carry out the will of my Father. I AM the great I AM. Then Joshua fell down before Christ in total reverence, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
So what are the important things we must remember from this encounter?
1. It is not about me. All of this. All of my life, the blessings, the sorrows, the trials, the failures, the beauty —all of it is to ultimately transform this rebellious heart into one that can echo back to God His Glory and His Love. It is all about Him and His magnificent Glory.
2. It is not about my way or my agenda. It is God miraculously working out His plan; however, He desires.
3. It is not about my being victorious; it is about His victory through me.
4. It is about falling down in awe-filled worship of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings
5. It is about denying my selfish desires to be wholly, devoted as His Servant because of a heart so overflowing with love that there is nothing less that I could do.
Do you know the commander of the Army of the Lord? Have you ever encountered the Lord towering with sword drawn? Have you ever fallen prostrate before God in total humility and worship? Are you seeking your own agenda or are you with a heart overflowing from love willing to be His servant for life—no matter what?
Can You sing with Stuart Townend, “It’s All About You”
New International Version (NIV)
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© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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