“ Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. 11 And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day. 12 Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.3 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 5:10-15 NKJV
Lord God,
They celebrate passover which brings the community together. The manna came to an end before they prepared to move forward into the promised land. Joshua is out taking a look at what was to come, is confronted by an imposing figure with sword drawn! Joshua does not seem to be overly threatened, and asks if the man is foe or friend. Joshua’s nature is not to kill first and ask later! Strangely the man says no. He is neither? But he is commander of the Lord’s army. Joshua fell down and worshiped – what an immediate response and he does not ask about the battle to come, or about the future or for help.
He asks the Lord what He would have his servant Joshua do. Joshua is a leader, he is a warrior and he is confident. But in the presence of God he immediately becomes an obedient servant. You God do not have to tell him to humble himself, but just to take of his shoes as he is on holy ground, Just as You asked Moses to remove his at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). Stepping away from the dust of his life to Your holy ground God.
Lord, I know You loathe death and murder and killing. And yet You know that this world is fallen and evil men and women do evil things. No one can make You take sides. You see above and over what we understand. But we do look to You to help us fight the evil that drives men and women to do their worst. Paul says we also fight against principalities and powers,rulers of the darkness of this age, the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). I don’t fully understand but am comforted by an image, a theophany (a visible manifestation) of You God with sword drawn who is not against us but because of Jesus is for us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Friday 6th March 2026
Sometimes like Joshua we sense His presence and feel we are on Holy ground.
We are standing on holy ground
And I know there are angels all around
Let us praise Jesus now
We are standing in His presence on holy ground
Lyrics: Geron Davis