The God who is in Control.

The God who is in Control.
Joshua 5:10-15
"Joshua said to him, "Are you for us or for our adversaries?" He said, "No: rather I indeed come now as captain of the Lord of Hosts."

We easily become man-centered in our perspective. Sometimes we start to think that God will respond to our beck and call to do as we desire. When facing challenges and difficulties, we pray and become frustrated when God does not answer our prayers as we expect. However, God's mercy and grace do not mean he is serving us; instead, we are called to serve him.
As the people were about to embark upon their conquest of the land, they had to first deal with their sin against God. To symbolize their separation from the world and dedication to God, God commanded the people to circumcise all the male babies. However, just as they failed to obey the law in other areas, they had failed to affirm their obedience through circumcision. As a result, God commanded them to do this in preparation for the Passover. The Passover was also a ritual that they were to perform that reminded them of God's deliverance. Yet, this Passover was different, for, on this day, the manna ceased; for now, they were enjoying the bountiful supply of the promised. However, their possession of the promised land would not come easily, for it would require them to face the dangers and threats of battle.  
      Anticipating the coming battle, Joshua went to where the war would be fought to assess and determine a strategy. As he walked around Jericho, he suddenly encountered a person who stood facing him with a drawn sword. Joshua's response was neither surprising nor unwarranted. Confronting this unknown soldier, Joshua demands that the man identify himself and reveal which side he is on. For Joshua, the options are simple, either the man is part of Israel's army or part of the armies of Jericho. There is no middle ground, no other option. The person is either for them or against them.
      This individual gives a surprising response. He is not for him or against him; rather, he has come as the commander of the armies of the Lord. His response to Joshua brings a vital principle. Joshua asked the wrong question, "Are you for or against us?" The answer provides an essential reorientation of Joshua's thinking. To ask, "are you for us or against us?" is the wrong question, for it implies that this individual is either his subject or his enemy. The real question is, "Is Joshua on the side of this individual? On whose side is Joshua?"
      This individual is none other than God (most likely a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ), himself appearing to Joshua. His following statement confirms this, for Joshua is commanded to take his shoes off in recognition that he is standing on holy ground. Joshua needs to recognize that God is not a subject under his authority. Instead, he stands above  Joshua, and it is Joshua who must acknowledge his allegiance to God.
      This brings us to an important lesson regarding God's supremacy and sovereignty. We often see God as our servant who is present to serve us and answer our prayers. If God does not answer our prayers the way we think, we become resentful. We view God as present so that when we face an emergency, we have an "in case of emergency, break glass" place to turn. God then aligns with us to support us.
However, this is misguided. We need to learn the same important lesson. The critical question is not, "Is God on my side." The questions to ask are, "Am I on God's side? Am I submitting to God and fulfilling his will and commands?" Instead of asking God to serve us, we must ask, "What has my Lord to say to his servant?" Our security in life is found when we are aligned with God's will for us. Then we will be victorious, for we have the Sovereign God of the universe leading us through every struggle.