Reflection
In Joshua 5-6, Joshua gets to witness a Christophany – a preincarnate appearance of Christ. What was the purpose of this meeting with the Commander of the Lord’s Army? One of the reasons was so Joshua could get war plans – blueprints on what he needed to do in order to defeat Jericho.
We often don’t picture Jesus as a warrior. We’re much more comfortable and accustomed to picturing Him as meek and mild, riding a donkey, peacefully speaking in a soft voice, soft blue eyes, and flowing long brown hair. No doubt the 1970s had something to do with that hippy perception. However, passages such as Joshua 5 remind us that Jesus is as much as a warrior as He is a peacemaker and as merciful as He is a judge. We serve a perfect and loving God, who will one day come to make war with the nations. Revelation 19 gives us a haunting image of the same man who healed the multitudes, forgave the prostitutes, and suffered and died on our behalf.
11I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
This should give us great comfort as well as pause. First, we like Joshua can trust that the battle is the Lord’s. He is the one that breaks down the walls that stand before us. But secondly, it’s a reminder that we serve a Holy and Awesome God. Too often it’s easy to slip into misconception of Jesus – thinking He’s our naive friend who turns a blind eye toward sin, who never admonishes us for doing wrong, and only wants what’s best for us. To that degree, we perceive Jesus more like a Santa Clause than a Warrior with a sword in hand. In thinking about this, I’m reminded of the scene in The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe where Lucy inquires about Aslan in a conversation with Mrs. Beavers.
“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King I tell you.”
Prayer
Read Revelation 19 and spend time exalting and worshiping the Lord and His Majesty. Ask the Lord to help you see that the battle is His and begin trusting Him to break down the walls that are towering before you. Pray with a humble spirit like Joshua, telling the Lord that you are His servant and your purpose is to follow Him.