Joshua 5-8

“Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” (5:13).  As he approached the unknown warrior, Joshua was focused on the upcoming battle for Jericho.  But “the commander of the Lord’s armies” (5:14) didn’t fit into Joshua’s “us against them” question, and so he answered “No.” The messenger’s purpose was greater.  “Take off your sandals … the place where you are standing is holy” (5:15).  Joshua, leader of Israel, needed to submit to God’s holiness more than he needed help for the battle.

“So the Lord was with Joshua” (6:27). God isn’t an extra boost to prosper our own plans. He invites us to acknowledge His holiness, accept His mercy, and join ourselves to His plan.