Joshua 5-8, Psalm 66
Joshua 5:13-15 (NLT)
“When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, ‘Are you friend or foe?’ ‘Neither one,’ he replied. ‘I am the commander of the Lord’s army.’ At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. ’I am at your command,’ Joshua said. ‘What do you want your servant to do?’ The commander of the Lord’s army replied, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did as he was told.”
In Joshua 5:13–15, we read about Joshua encountering a divine figure described as the “commander of the Lord’s army.” Joshua came across a man near the town of Jericho who appeared ready for battle with a drawn sword. Joshua was not afraid, and he asked the stranger whether he was for them or against them. The stranger replied that he was the commander of the Lord’s army. One Bible commentary I read suggested that this commander may have been a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. Joshua fell to his knees and asked what the Lord wanted him to do. The commander told him to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground.
Joshua’s response shows believers how to respond when they experience something that appears spiritual. Even when an encounter seems spiritual, we must exercise discernment and seek the Lord’s guidance. Joshua approached the commander with reverence, humility, and a willingness to receive instruction.
While Joshua experienced a physical encounter with the Lord’s commander, believers today have the gift of the Holy Spirit through the resurrection of Christ. The Holy Spirit guides us in the spiritual battles we face in life. When we sense the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we should approach Him with humility, discernment, and reverence. Joshua also models the importance of responding in obedience. When we recognize the Lord’s guidance, we should respond with humility and a willingness to follow His instruction.
These verses remind me that the Lord is present in the battles of my life. When I listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His guidance, I can trust that the Lord is leading me according to His plan.
If these verses resonate with you — if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us through life’s battles — this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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