Beauty of Jesus seen in a life of surrender – Joshua 5 (pt. 1)
In the story of Joshua (chapter 5) we see a very powerful encounter where Joshua confronts a man that has drawn his attention. This man has a drawn sword as if he is waiting for Joshua to arrive.
Who is this man?
The man Joshua meets introduces himself as “Commander of the army of the Lord…” I believe it to be Jesus.
I don’t know what Joshua was thinking fully but we do know as he confronted the man with the sword he asked one question, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?”
Joshua had conquest on his mind. The directive of the Lord to take the land of Canaan was working in him and driving him forward. However, there was one thing that Joshua needed even for himself – a Captain. A Superior to bow to. He after all was just a man.
Joshua was about to go beyond his own ability. Joshua was about to engage battle in places he did not know with a people he did not know. He had seen the cities and the people, had faith but needed something beyond himself.
He was a man of strength but Canaan would not be taken on his strength or wisdom alone. He needed to know that as the supreme leader of the people he himself was not the supreme leader. He was but flesh and the job would not be done by flesh.
Did you know that every man was meant to bow? It is in the heart of every man to bow down to a supreme commander? Even if he bows to himself in narcissism, he is still bowing. Even if he worships himself, he is still bowing in idolatry.
Man was meant to bow.
I believe Jesus (Commander of the armies of heaven) knew this and had a plan for his people. He knew even the best of his people, even the strongest, even those with the most faith – could bow to the wrong thing – could surrender to the wrong thing.
So…he establishes an encounter for Joshua that calls him to surrender to God in the form of Jesus first. Bow before Jesus and you’re bowing – you’re surrendering to the right person and setting your life on the right foundations.
I believe the conquest of Canaan was won at that moment. That encounter with the Commander set Joshua under the leadership of God and in so doing lifted all the “pressure” of having to make victory happen.
Victory was assured when Joshua surrendered. What a concept. Victory is found on your face in surrender before the Captain of the Hosts.
Novel idea. I think I’m going to try it.
