Choosing Sides

Joshua 5:13-15

The 'Fall of Jericho' is a familiar story to me, having heard it countless times in my life: the incredible tale of the collapse of a city by just marching around it seven times and giving a loud shout. But so often I missed the scene BEFORE the action. I never really gave attention to the strange exchange between Joshua and the 'man standing... with a drawn sword in his hand'.

Facing this mysterious character with unknown intentions ('is he an enemy? Is he a bad guy or a good guy?!') Joshua asked the man 'Are you for us or for our enemies?' (vs 13).

Strangely, the man answers 'No'... and reveals his identity as 'commander of the army of the Lord...'.
Why did he give this answer?

The question was not whether the man was on Joshua's side.

The real question was whose side was Joshua on?

There is a difference between the two.

Instead of asking... 'God are you on my side?'

It's 'Am I on God's side?'

This morning as I reflected on the sermon... A phrase came in my mind-
'Are we praying for God to work according to our own agenda? Or are we praying to GOD to help us live according to HIS agenda?'

Joshua didn't use his own wisdom to think of a plan, didn't use his own way or his own strength to attack Jericho and then asked God to bless his plans. Joshua obeyed God and chosen to do things God's way. He was following and doing God's agenda.

For me, this was a very good reminder for me to reflect in my own life. Am I living according to God's agenda? Am I willing to step out and take risks for God and do things God's ways (unconventional it may be!)?

To be honest, I think I still very much live according to my own agenda and use my own wisdom rather than trust in God's plan and God's way:

''Lord, this is what I want to happen in this situation; and this is how I want this problem to be solved. Lord, I want You to do this, and Lord, I hope you will hurry up and do this other thing.''

Sometimes I even presume I know what the Lord thinks is best!
''Lord, I know you would not want this to happen to me; or Lord, I know You would not want me to be unhappy.''

Joshua made a decision very early on that he will do things God's way, and to center his life on God. In the same way, I'm praying that I too, can let go of my own agenda and take a risk to live by God's agenda. I've been challenged this week to not just pray, but to listen more. In the same way that Joshua was quick to listen to God's voice- 'What message does my Lord have for his servant?' (vs 14) I pray that I too, can be sensitive and attentive to God this week.


God-is-not-finished-with-me-yet:)
CY