"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?”
So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come" Josh 5:13
This is a great verse that reminds us today who we belong to. Joshua was just about to lead God's people into a what looked like an impossible situation at the mighty city of Jericho. This walled city was well protected with huge walls that were almost impenetrable. In the natural it was absolutely impossible. You might be dealing with something that feels that way too. We all have challenges that despite our best efforts have never changed and have left us thinking that perhaps they never will. So we settle for the idea that this just the way life is, or even that this is what God wants for me.
These verses are called a Christophany - an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. What He says to Joshua is s huge encouragement for us all. We can often wonder where God is. when things are testing, have have you asked yourself whether or not God is for you? Jesus provides Joshua with a significant sense of perspective. He says that "you may think that you are in control Joshua and this depends on you, but I am in charge... I am the authority here and it is my victory that I am about to show you.."
This is what God's grace does today. It reminds us that Jesus is for us. Whatever your challenge, He promises His victory in all things that come against us. He reminds us that He is the final authority and that He is in charge. Today, rest in the truth that breakthrough will come whenever we move our hearts and minds from self reliance to Jesus reliance. He does not ask you to carry the burden of seeing change but rather to place yourself under the flow of His love, provision and favour. That is the position in which he wanted Joshua as he faced Jericho and he says the same to you today.