Commander of the Lord’s Army

¹³ And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?”
¹⁴ 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?”
¹⁵ Then the Commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.                          –Joshua 5:13-15

Who is this Commander of the Lord’s Army?

I believe this is none other than Jesus Christ pre-incarnate. In other passages when angels appear, they always instruct men not to bow down before them. Here, Joshua bows down and is not instructed not to. In fact, he is instructed to remove his sandals because he is on Holy ground. Does this sound familiar?

   ⁴ So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”
And he said, “Here I am.”
⁵ Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” ⁶ Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. –Exodus 3:4-6

Joshua’s task (taking the land) was monumental. Remember after the death of Moses God kept telling Joshua to be strong and of good courage.

This Commander was letting Joshua know that the battles he faced would be the Lord’s battles; he would not have to rely on his own abilities.

Immediately following this passage is the account of the battle of Jericho. The men of Israel only had to march around the city and the Lord did the rest.

I get chills thinking about this.

Today, we fight a spiritual war. Have we any cause to believe that this same Commander of the Lord’s Army will not lead us in the battle? We can have the same confidence that Joshua had. We should be strong and courageous as well.  

Big Shoes To Fill

Do you have big shoes to fill? Maybe you are an older brother/sister who is taking care of siblings after the death of your parents. Maybe you are a young dad/mother of a newborn. Maybe you have been placed in charge of a company or office.

Many of us find ourselves unexpectedly placed in a position we feel we are not ready for. If we fall in line behind a great leader, parent etc, it makes it all the harder. We ask ourselves “how can I measure up?”

I believe in many cases, those who question their ability make better leaders. They are willing to seek the advice and counsel of others. This makes for a team environment. It not only lifts up and encourages the new leader but sets an example for those who will one day find themselves in the same situation.

Over the years I have read (and thought) about the shoes of Moses that Joshua had to fill; talk about big shoes. God knew how Joshua felt and He knew Joshua would need confidence. God would be the driving force behind Joshua just as He had been for Moses. After all, it was God and not Moses who really led and enabled Moses in all the mighty works. From the start, God let Joshua know He would be there as long as Joshua put his trust in Him.

He will do the same for you and I. All we need to do is walk in faith. We do not have to measure up to our parents, former boss, or whomever, we just need to seek His guidance.

 ⁵ No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. ⁶ Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:5-9