Friend or Foe?

Scripture

Joshua 5: 13-14 “As Joshua approached the city of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man facing him with a sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked “Are you friend or foe?” “Neither one” he replied, “I am commander of the Lords army”.

 

Observation

Joshua was in war mode. His whole life had led him to this day. Friend or foe was his stance. Allay or enemy, do I kill you or have you join with me? You can feel the readiness for battle in his actions. “Neither one” is the answer from the Arch Angel – I’m above enemies and friends, I carry out the commands of a King who has no enemies – Joshua’s posture immediately changes and he falls to his face and acquiesces to the Lords commander.

 

Application

Life teaches me to regard others as friends or foe, allay or enemy. Paul reminds the Corinthians that he and Apollo’s are just servants of God acting as managers on His behalf carrying out the directives of the Master. They weren’t necessarily seeking friendships or actively making enemies but were faithfully outworking the purposes of the Kingdom of God in which they served. Joshua learns this lesson as he is confronted by the Angel – this isn’t about war, it isn’t about annihilation of an enemy – there is neither friend or foe – but it is about righteousness, obedience to the Ways of the Lord, consequences for disobedience (just read about Achan a few chapters on!) and Joshua gains a new Kingdom perspective. Sometimes my actions lead me to think in terms of friend or foe but I need to be confronted by the Commander of the Lords army and be reminded again that I only need to faithfully carry our His commands.

 

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the heavenly encounter with Joshua and your Arch Angel. It is a kingdom reminder of who’s side I’m on – your side – which is above friend or foe.

 

Jim Jung