“And, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand.” Joshua 5:13
Dear Ones:
Israel had crossed the Red Sea, and the Jordan River. In the examination of these miraculous events, there is not doubt that they would not be possible without the intervention of God. And now, after the circumcision at Gilgal, to “…roll away the reproach of Egypt,” they are poised to begin the conquest of Canaan. But how? It is at this moment that the Lord Jesus appears to Joshua. We believe that it was the Lord Jesus because Joshua calls Him “Lord,” and declares himself to be His “servant,” the one who fell down to worship Him. Only the Lord would allow the true worship of God. The significance of this meeting is paramount, for God reveals to Joshua what He revealed to Moses at the outset of his mission. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and now the blessing of Israel in the conquest of Canaan, was to be a “holy” matter, where one’s walk and communion with God were of supreme importance. There would be no conquest, and consequent intervention and blessing of God, without the consistent worship and reverence FOR God. If the endeavor does not have its origin IN God, accomplished BY and WITH God, for the glory of God, then it will not succeed, for the enemies and resistance are very real.
God never reveals Himself in a haphazard manner. Every aspect of the revelation invariably is designed to respond to the need of the believer who “beholds” Him. Joshua sees a “man” who is a warrior. He has a drawn sword in his hand. It is no laughing matter, as this “man” is prepared for conflict, battle. There must have been a very sober demeanor about Him, as Joshua recognized immediately that He must be confronted, first of all to discern if He was friend or foe. The second aspect of the specific revelation comes with the words, “…as captain of the host of the Lord am I NOW come.” (Josh. 5:14) With the word “captain” comes the connotation of authority, but an authority that is over the “hosts” of heaven. Heaven itself is in essence commanded by this captain. Later on in Scripture, we see Him as the “Captain of their salvation.” (Heb.2:10) Thirdly, we see a sword in His hand. Not only is Joshua confronted with a person with a declaration, but one with a sword in His hand. He has come to do battle, to fight, to confront and overcome an enemy, an adversary. And lastly, He is that One who commands the worship of those who would follow Him. The conflict is a spiritual one above all, one that only the Captain can conquer. And He will do so with and for the one who will follow Him, in fellowship with Him, worshiping and living in the light of Christ’s holiness.
Dear Father, enable us to see the Lord Jesus this day as He truly is….our Captain and our King. Enable us to truly fall at Thy feet, first of all to worship Thee Lord Jesus, and then to rise up to follow Thee according to Your ways, for Your glory. Then YOUR victory will be revealed. We thank and praise Thee, in the name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.
Love, Dad