24/06/2019 - THE STRATEGIST OF OUR BATTLES

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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?”  Joshua 5:14

The first battle in the Promised Land would be forthcoming.  This was a time of apprehension and Joshua could not fail.  There had been centuries of preparation and years of divine intervention never before seen in Egypt.  Then, after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness because of the reports from the spies and because they did not go up and take possession of the land of the Amorites, the Lord commanded the Israelites to destroy Jericho, under the command of Joshua.

This city had to be conquered.  Joshua went to the foot of the city which had been closed because of Jacob’s sons.  He was seeking the wise instructions of the Lord.  Then, as he raised his eyes he saw very clearly how he should proceed.  He saw a man with a sword in his hand right before him.  He did not recognize him and immediately asked: Are You for us or for our adversaries? (Joshua 5:13).

“I am neither one nor the other” was the answer (v.14).  Nevertheless that man identified himself as the commander of the army of the Lord and said that he had just arrived.  The young commander’s heart was filled with joy.  I believe his eyes were filled with tears; after all, it remained proven that the Almighty had not forgotten him and was fulfilling His promises.  God wants to give you moments like these.  Believe it!  He is faithful!

At that moment, Joshua prostrated himself with his face to the Earth and worshipped Him.  How beautiful! Often times, God visits us and comforts our heart, but we do not give Him the most important: our adoration.  With great love He has spoken to us or made us understand most indispensable things.  How many times were we held back from sin or from an accident and do not worship Him in thanksgiving?

Joshua, worshipping the Lord, placed himself at His disposal and asked: What does my Lord say to His servant? He showed himself ready to learn what to do.  When you receive the visit of the Almighty, say only what is essential and be ready to hear His instructions.  To overtake Jericho and lead the people of Israel into that land, Joshua would have to faithfully follow the divine instructions.

Here is the first instruction: remove the sandals because the presence of God made that soil to be holy.  This meant that the city of Jericho would be given to the sons and daughters of Israel. The outcome was now set.  Only obedience was necessary.  When the Father gives you a revelation, it is already yours. All you have to do is to know that you are stepping on holy soil.  Consequently, following instructions, the impossible or whatever demands more battle, will be easy. 

Joshua obeyed each instruction from the Almighty and Jericho then was overtaken.  Do not fear following the instruction words of the Lord.  You will be victorious! If you alter whatever His words said to you and do otherwise, God will have nothing to do with your battle. 

In Christ, with Love, 

R. R. Soares