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The Daily Word of Righteousness
Old Thoughts for the New Day, continued
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," he 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 5:13,14—NIV)
How often Christian people in their zeal are drawn into fighting against social immorality and injustice. Although God may use some believers in politics or some other effort of the flesh, our enemy is in the spirit realm and must be fought with iron righteousness, fiery holiness, and stern obedience to God. We must pray, and that prayer must come from a personality acceptable to God. Otherwise the army of angels will not assist us.
The army of angels does not fight for us or for our enemies. They do the will of God. It is only as we are moving in the will of God that both armies are involved.
I think God is waiting today to see how many will cease from their own religious works and wait until they hear His voice, even though the waiting extends over a number of years.
The Christian churches have accomplished many worthy works throughout the centuries. Now we are approaching the climax, the total destruction of rebellion and sin. This war cannot be won other than by the army of holy angels working alongside the army of holy Christians.
We do well to remember the battle of Jericho. The assault upon Jericho was unique. Every military principle was abandoned.
What good is accomplished by marching around the city and blowing trumpets? How useless! How ridiculous!
How useless and ridiculous Jesus appeared when sitting on the gable of the Temple in Jerusalem! Sometimes God's ways are not our ways.
After God had been obeyed the army of angels was prepared to push the walls over, or push them down into the ground (which may have been what happened so every Israelite soldier could go straight in. Remember, these walls were thick enough that houses were built on them. If they fell outward or inward they would have presented an obstacle, being as thick as they were.)
"When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in." (Joshua 6:5—NIV)
Perhaps there was concern on the part of the Israelite officers over this peculiar plan of attack.
In our assembly we spend time with banners, hurling them downward and shouting for the battle, as the Lord seems to direct us. No doubt there are some who feel we are wasting time and should be "out there doing something for the Lord" instead of marching around inside the church. Well, they can believe what they want to. We have noticed increased involvement of our young people in the worship program and we think we sense the approval of the Lord. Sometimes the things God does are eminently practical, and on other occasions not as understandable—like spitting on people to heal them!
To be continued.