Read Joshua 5:13-14 – And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” (NKJV)
Joshua’s question is a good one. It makes sense to find out which side this angelic warrior will be taking in the upcoming battle. What he doesn’t realize is that there’s a third possible answer to his question. The warrior’s response shows that God has a side in this battle and it would benefit Joshua greatly to be on God’s side, rather than hope that God is on his. Our tendency to live self-centered lives often puts us in this same misunderstanding. We want God on our side, rather than considering what God’s side might look like. God’s side is one of righteousness, justice, mercy and any actions that might make Him known. He’s not always on the side of personal comfort or self-focused blessing. He has His own agenda in our battles, and it makes sense for us to want to join His side. That’s a great question to ask of our current challenges. What does God’s side look like in my battle? And, how can I get on that side?
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
Joshua’s question is a good one. It makes sense to find out which side this angelic warrior will be taking in the upcoming battle. What he doesn’t realize is that there’s a third possible answer to his question. The warrior’s response shows that God has a side in this battle and it would benefit Joshua greatly to be on God’s side, rather than hope that God is on his. Our tendency to live self-centered lives often puts us in this same misunderstanding. We want God on our side, rather than considering what God’s side might look like. God’s side is one of righteousness, justice, mercy and any actions that might make Him known. He’s not always on the side of personal comfort or self-focused blessing. He has His own agenda in our battles, and it makes sense for us to want to join His side. That’s a great question to ask of our current challenges. What does God’s side look like in my battle? And, how can I get on that side?
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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