Whose Side are You On?

Psalm 124:1 “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— let Israel now say—”

1. He met His Savior

He believes he is ready for Jericho but God has to show up.

God’s presence precedes God’s assignment.

He wants to know which side is the man on, the man wants Joshua to know its neither.

Joshua doesn't first receive a battle plan. He first receives a revelation of the One who will lead him into battle. In other words God does not immediately tell him what to do, but rather notifies him on who is the reason for the upcoming victory.

2. He is but Soldier

The Man now tells Joshua that he is not for or against him, but rather, He is the commander. In other words, the fight that you are about to engage in is not yours but God’s. And if you want to have victory is is not because you are in charge but because God is. And, And, Joshua, I outrank you.

“And Now I have come” You have gone far enough. Its now time I show up. Israel is largely unexperienced in battle, they are wildly our strategized, the don’t have the physical resources, to win this fight. So, “now I have come”. God has a way of showing up when the deck is stacked against his children. (run)

He doesn't have to figure everything out.

He doesn't have to control every outcome.

He doesn't have to win the battle by his own strength.

His responsibility is obedience.

3. He must Surrender

It becomes personal here. He bows down in Worship. Angels don’t receive worship Rev 19:10. But his man receives Joshua’s adoration that is only reserved for God. He falls down on his face is worship because although he doesn’t understand what he is looking at, he knows that it is beyond him and his power and he must surrender. Church when you encounter the God of all creation the only response is surrender and worship.

And after surrender in worship comes surrender to the word. “What does my lord say to his servant?” (Preach)

“Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” (Run take some things off)

“Sometimes God will interrupt your plans because He wants you to encounter His presence before you encounter your problem.”

4. He must “See...” the Victory

By faith.

Jesus on the cross,

Revelation 19:11–16 ESV

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Ride on King Jesus