4 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Joshua 5:1-7:15
Luke 15:1-32
Psalm 81:1-16
Proverbs 13:1
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Joshua 5:13-14 (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?’”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
We are a self-centered bunch, aren’t we?
In our relationship with our God, it shows up in how we come to decisions and what we pray about. Instead of praying before major decisions like Jesus did to discover God’s will in a matter (see Luke 6:12-13), we determine what we want to do and then ask God to bless our decision.
This is the erroneous mindset that Joshua had when he approached the commander of the LORD’s army. He had a very self-centered perspective and asked whose side God was on.
But, Joshua was soundly rebuked. The LORD wasn’t on anyone’s side. The Lord was on His own side. He was on an errand to accomplish His own business.
The real question was: “Whose side was Joshua on? Was He on the LORD’s side?”
This is so true of us. Often, we wonder if the Lord is on our side. We want Him to bless us when we are doing what we want to do. We want Him to bless the choices we make. And we often do very little praying to find out what the Lord wants.
So, let’s make today different. Spend time in prayer. Seek the LORD’s will as you read His Word. And seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33), the things that matter to Him. Make sure you are on His side. And then ask for His blessings upon your efforts.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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