Good morning!
Text: Joshua 4-6; Psalm 53
I have always been fascinated by the scene at the end of Joshua (5:13-15) where the man with the drawn sword presents himself to Joshua. Joshua asks whether he is “for us, or for our adversaries?” The answer is amazing. “No”, he says. Many scholars suggest that this is a pre-incarnate visit of Jesus to earth. He is neither for nor against people. It is as if he is saying “No, I did not come to choose sides.” Instead, He came to take charge. This is the same Lord who had told Joshua to “be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God will be with you…” (Joshua 1:9). Joshua gets it, and so he falls on his face, worshiping the LORD. Then Joshua asks for a word. The LORD replies, saying,
“Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” (Joshua 5:15)
I have wondered about this. Why is that particular spot there between Gilgal and Jericho so special? Are there other patches of holy ground, like the sites of great Bible events or churches? Here’s what I think. I believe that the spot Joshua stood upon had been made holy by the very living and imminent presence of the LORD God. This is the same LORD who told us “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). This is the same LORD whose presence we experience every minute of every day. Do I live like I understand that the spot I occupy right here and right now is sacred, holy ground? Do I live as if I am barefoot so as to not defile the space of my life? Hmmm.
in Him, Mike