TruthPoints
06.19.08

In Joshua 6:13-15, we have an interesting and instructive incident in the life of the leader of God’s people, Joshua.  Just before going to battle against the fortified city of Jericho, something wonderful occurred.  The “Commander of the army of the Lord” confronted Joshua.  This type of appearance is known as a Christophany; an Old Testament appearance of Christ.  This was the “Commander of the army of the Lord” not the Commander of the army of Israel.  In other words, this was the “Commander” of the heavenly host of angels; an army much greater and much grander than any military on earth.

Yes, as hard as it is to believe, Christ appeared to and talked with Joshua.  After the Lord identified Himself to Joshua, Joshua did something and said something, both of which serve as examples to believers today.

First, Joshua “fell on his face to the earth and worshipped”.  Second, he asked the question, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”

Consider those words, “my Lord,” and “His servant”.  In these two statements, we see the Person who confronted Joshua and the position that humbled Joshua.  To put it another way, we have a reminder of Who is in control, the Commander, and what is our role, His servant.  He is the Lord and we are His servants.

Too many people wish to say, “Christ is my Lord” but are unwilling to say, “I am His servant”.  Many are anxious to fall on their face to “worship” but hesitant to be identified as “His servant”.  However, the first presupposes the second.  How can one worship the Lord of lords and the King of kings, and remain unwilling to surrender to Him and serve Him?

Joshua was a fervent worshipper of God and a faithful worker for God.  The first must result in the second or the first is suspect.  One’s faithful work is evidence of his fervent worship.  James addressed the subject with these words, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” James 2:17 (NKJV).

Of Joshua’s prayer, Bible scholar Matthew Henry says it “implies an earnest desire to know the will of Christ, and a cheerful readiness and resolution to do it”.   Joshua’s prayer was the natural and logical outcome of worship, for worship and service are inseparable.

Far too many come to the worship services at our churches with little interest in serving God after the worship service.  This says they did not worship very well.  But if we worship God, as we ought, we will be interested in serving Him.

Is there within your heart and mind a “readiness and resolution” to worship and serve Christ?  The next time you leave a worship service, ask yourself these questions, “Have I sincerely worshipped?” and “In what way am I going to serve?”  You could simply borrow the words of Joshua, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”

Have a blessed day.
Pastor David