Are We on God’s Side?

by | Mar 12, 2025 | Pastor's Blog, Resources

In Joshua 5:13-15, we encounter a pivotal moment where Joshua meets the commander of the Lord’s army. Standing before an imposing figure with a drawn sword, Joshua boldly asks, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” The response is startling and profound: “No, but I am the commander of the army of the LORD.”

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No, but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

———————————————————————–

This moment confronts a common misconception. It’s not about asking whether God is on our side but whether we are on His. God’s purposes are sovereign and unshakable, and our role is to align ourselves with His will, not to assume He automatically supports our plans.

Key Principles:

  1. God’s Agenda is Central: The commander’s answer reminds us that God is not obligated to support our desires. He operates on a divine mission, aligning us with His greater purposes.
  2. Worship Precedes Action: Joshua’s immediate response was worship. Before leading Israel into battle, Joshua submitted to God’s authority. Worshiping God positions our hearts to follow His lead.
  3. Holy Ground Requires Reverence: The command to remove sandals is a call to recognize God’s holiness. Approaching God requires humility, reverence, and readiness to listen and obey.

Application:

  • Examine Your Alignment: Rather than asking God to bless our plans, ask, “Am I aligned with God’s mission?”
  • Cultivate Worship: Let worship be your first response. It reorients our focus from self to God, preparing us to hear His direction.
  • Practice Reverence: Approach God with awe and humility, recognizing His holiness. Create space for listening to His voice through prayer and Scripture.

 

In every decision, the critical question is not, “Is God on my side?” but “Am I on God’s side?” The pathway to purpose is found in humble submission, worship, and a willingness to follow wherever He leads.

 

Pastor Brad Little