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Joshua 5:13-15, Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord[e] have for his servant?”  The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

In this chapter, we see God bringing the Israelites through three significant rites: circumcision, the Passover, and eating the produce of Canaan.  These were rites for the nation at large.  The experience that happens next is for Joshua alone. 

Joshua suspected that the next course of action for the Israelites was to conquer the city of Jericho but he hadn't received any word about it yet from the Lord.  He went out to take a look at the land, he could see the size of the city and the massive walls.  Jericho was highly fortified and while Joshua had military experience, this was going to be very different.  We can guess he was contemplating the challenge. Then, he sees this figure in front of him, a man with a drawn sword.  When Joshua confronts him, he suddenly understands that he is in the presence of God.  This was the angel of the Lord, pre-incarnate Jesus Christ himself. Joshua falls on his face in reverence and worship and the commander of the Lord's army declares that space holy ground.

This was a transformative moment for Joshua.  He is walking around thinking about city walls and how in the world they would conquer Jericho and then he encounters God.  Remember, an encounter with Jesus is always life changing!  It's in this moment that Joshua realizes that this battle won't be about tactics and army strength.  This battle is the Lord's.  What a burden that must have removed from Joshua's shoulders.  He was merely a servant of God and God would take the lead.

Let's pray...God, Please take the lead in our lives.  So often, we want to do it all ourselves.  We don't take the time to see your hand at work.  We get overwhelmed by tactics and tasks rather than obedience and submission.  God, we need you.  Lead us, direct us, guide us.  More of you, Jesus, and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.