Joshua 5:13-14 ESV
“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.”

Joshua was the new leader of the massive Israelite caravan of more than a million people. They have already crossed the Jordan River, and they were heading to Jericho, their first conquest. The spies have already reported that Jericho was in fear and awe of the God of the Israelites.

God has encouraged Joshua, Moses has encouraged Joshua, but still God sends Joshua a sign. As Joshua surveys the land alone at Jericho, a man appeared in front of Joshua with his sword drawn. Joshua asks if the man was for him or against him, but the man gave a strange answer. The man or Angel, as Joshua was about to find out, said, “No, but I am the commander of the Lord’s army.”

It was a curious response but very telling of what was occurring. Not only was God there but so was God’s army, a mighty host of Angels. They were to fight the spiritual enemy as well as the natural enemy.

Why did God show Joshua this phenomenon? So that Joshua would know and believe that his and Israel’s quest was not on their own. Every battle, every city, every foe would be routed, all Joshua and Israel had to do was trust and obey God every step of the way.

I believe it works the same for us, the battle we face everyday is not on our own merit, not by our own strength, not something to be feared but a quest that as we trust God, We can face any opposition, any situation, in confidence that God, and His host of angels are with us. To defeat the foe and route every enemy so we can receive all the promises of God. We don’t have to see it physically, we just know because of the Bible, it is so!

Prayer:
Father, teach me to trust You more, if You are for me, who can stand against me.