By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Joshua 5:13-14 "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?" - NIV
Joshua had taken over leadership from Moses. They were now ready to conquer and enter the promised land. The Lord had assured them of victory IF they remained obedient to Him. They were now set for the very first attack on the city of Jericho. And a man with a drawn sword, ready to fight, appeared before Joshua. When joshua asked this unfamiliar person to identify himself and show which side he belonged, the answer was very revealing.
This was an angel of God. Israel’s battle was God’s battle. The land they were to enter was promised by God hundreds of years ago. Why then would God’s angel, who had come to fight on their behalf, give a neutral answer to Joshua? How could God be neither for them nor for their enemies? This reveals one of His attributes: He is a God of principle. Much as He promised and led them to inherit the land, if they didn’t fulfill His conditions, He would NOT be on their side. This was to be true for Israel many years later.
Many want God to be on their side, but they are not on God’s side, living in obedience. Achan took the forbidden items and Israel lost the battle. Over and over again, because of their disobedience, God left Israel to their enemies. God is obligated to defend us when we are walking in His ways. To cover up evil, live in disobedience and blanketly expect God to always be on your side, is to put Him into temptation. God cannot be mocked or hoodwinked into doing whatever we want Him to do regardless of how we are living before Him!
Isaiah 1:19-20 "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
Shalom children of God.