Bible Passage:  Joshua 5

This took place after the Israelites crossed the River Jordan and stepped onto the land of Canaan.

It was quite telling that before they did anything, God commanded Joshua to have all the males circumcised.  Why?

Because none of the males who were there had been circumcised – even though they were Israelites.  It was a reminder of the covenant that God made with Abraham that He will be their God and they will be His people.

Now they were about to take the land that God had promised them. But before the first attack takes place – a very basic thing must happen.  They must be circumcised.

We thank God that yesterday we had 18 souls who were baptised and entered into the flock of the Lord.

To witness this “circumcision without hands” is indeed a joy and blessing.  But it also serves as a reminder… what are we to do after circumcision/baptism?

¹³ 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?”

¹⁴ So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”

¹⁵ Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.

~ Joshua 5:13-14

The year end is always full of activities.

This coming week from Thursday evening is our Spiritual Meeting.  Then we have the Students Theological Training.  We are in the midst of the New Teens Camp.  And there is also the ‘small’ matter of the 3 nights of Evangelistic Service in Adam Road in December.

We all know what we need to do.  The training courses are for equipping ourselves.  The Spiritual Convocations is our spiritual retreat for rest and renewal.  The Evangelistic services are for us to go out and fight for the lost souls.

And like Joshua, after our baptism and training, we should be ready to go to war.  But also like Joshua, we need directions from our Commander in Chief.

As Joshua approached Jericho, he saw this great warrior with sword drawn. “Whose side are you on?” he asked. “Neither!” came the reply. This is none other than Jesus, the Commander of the Lord’s Army!  Notice that in the following verses He told Joshua that he was on Holy Ground, just as the I Am told Moses at the burning bush.

It was interesting that when Joshua asked, “Are you for us or the enemy?”, the Commander said, “no!”

No?  Which side is Jesus on?  The Jews or the Gentiles?

Actually no!  He is on neither side.  But rather, He is not willing that any should perish!

God has earmarked the Canaanites for destruction because of their great sin.  But it did not mean that God is still not desiring for them to repent, or that He is only for Israel.

Rahab and her family were about to be spared.

They recognized who God was and wanted to turn to Him.  God in turn, opened Salvation for them.

Those who are willing to accept Him.  Recognize Him.  Acknowledge Him.  And receive the truth.

Think about this for today.