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Be Strong and Courageous:

The LORD Gave them Rest

The book of Joshua is the story of Israel’s conquest of Canaan by the power of God under the leadership of Joshua. Possession of Canaan was the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham and his descendants. Joshua and Israel were prepared through forty years in the wilderness to accomplish this task. They were taught dependence on the LORD. Through the mighty power of God and Joshua’s capable leadership, they took the land and it was divided among the tribes as their inheritance. Joshua 21 gives a summary of these events and God’s faithfulness.

Joshua 21:43-45 43 So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. 44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

We, Christians, have incorporated this language into our theology to describe our journey toward heaven. The Hebrew writer spoke God’s rest still being available. In Revelation, a heavenly voice promises rest from our labors.

Hebrews 4:8-11 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

Revelation 14:13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Jesus spoke of a place being prepared. Peter calls it our inheritance.

John 14:1-3  Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

1 Peter 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade– kept in heaven for you,

Paul speaks of Christ overcoming all His (and our) enemies.

1 Corinthians 15:25-26 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

God has promised us an inheritance, victory over our enemies, and rest from our labors. Can we trust him?

Joshua 21:45 Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

Give Me This Hill Country!

In our last lesson we learned that God gave Israel a great victory against Adoni-Zedek and the coalition of Kings he had organized. Israel routed them thanks to the supernatural help from God sending hail (or meteorites) upon their armies as they fled allowing Israel to pursue them as well as making the sun stand still to  ensure a complete victory. God’s promise was fulfilled,

Joshua 10:8. 14 The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” …Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!

God fulfills his promises to us as well and works mightily in our lives. Our lesson today spotlights an individual Israelite who was emboldened by God’s provision to ask for an even greater challenge as he was given his inheritance.

Caleb begins his request by rehearsing the events at Kadesh Barnea forty-five years before and his faithfulness in bringing back a positive report on the land.

Joshua 14:5-8 So the Israelites divided the land, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 6 Now the men of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, 8 but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.

Through Moses, the Lord had promised Caleb he would live to inherit the land and he affirms that not only was he still around to inherit, but he was still strong and vigorous for battle.

Joshua 14:9-11 So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.’ 10 Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.

Even at eighty-five, Caleb was eager for a new challenge. He asked for Hebron, the hill country, a land full of large, fortified cities and giants! Joshua granted his request.

Joshua 14:12-13 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” 13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance.

Why is Caleb so enthusiastic? I’ll say more in my lesson.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

A Father’s Wisdom and Love

WELCOME!

It is an honor for my very first Father’s Day, as an expecting dad, to give the lesson this morning. Preparing for today brought back memories of working alongside my father in our family restaurant. I can still hear him warning me, “Be careful grabbing those pots— they can burn you.” Sure enough, one day I learned that lesson the hard way. I burned my hand so badly that I ended up sitting in the walk-in freezer for ten minutes, pressing my blistered hand against the icy walls. I had always known pots could get hot—but after that, I really knew.  There’s a big difference between simply knowing something and truly understanding it through experience.

In the same way, we often sing “Jesus loves me” in worship. But do we really know what that means—not just in our minds, but deep in our hearts? 1 John 4:7-21 paints a powerful picture of what God’s love looks like, and what kind of people we become when we truly grasp that we are loved by Him. In today’s lesson, we are going to explore what pure love really looks like and attributes that come with knowing we are loved by God. My hope is that this message renews your joy and strengthens your assurance in God’s love—a love that is complete, constant, and absolutely certain.

– Adam Gomez 

“Growing in Grace” Syllabus

Summer Quarter (June-August 2025)

Facilitator: Dr. Joey A. Gafford

Teacher(s): Different each week.

Location: Auditorium

Theme/Subject: Christian Maturity

Description:

This class will consist of fourteen lessons taught by different men of the congregation. Each lesson will consist of some element of Christian growth and maturity. Teachers will be provided with complete lessons specifying goals, competencies, and applications and encouraged to make the lessons “their own” by supplementing, adapting, or writing their own material within the confines of the lesson goals. Each teacher will receive support as needed.

Weekly Lesson Plan:

June 1      David Wiggins — The Call to Maturity              Hebrews 6:1

Goal: Understand that maturity is a biblical expectation for every believer, not an optional pursuit, and inspire a commitment to grow beyond spiritual infancy.

June 8      Vic Clapp — Rooted in Faith           Colossians 2:6-7

Goal: Establish faith as the foundation of Christian maturity, enabling believers to grow steadily and bear fruit in their lives.

June 15      Chuck Parsons — The Role of the Word           2 Timothy 3:16-17

Goal: Recognize the Bible as essential for mature living and decision making, equipping believers to grow and serve effectively.

June 22      Brian Bannister — Prayer and Maturity           Philippians 4:6-7

Goal: Develop a mature prayer life that deepens trust in God, fosters peace in all circumstances, and reflects a growing relationship with Him.

June 29      Chuck Parsons — Love as Maturity’s Mark              1 Corinthians 13:11

Goal: Show love as the defining evidence of Christian maturity, reflecting Christ’s character and God’s nature in practical ways.

July 6      Vic Clapp — Overcoming Temptation           1 Corinthians 10:13

Goal: Build resilience to overcome temptation through reliance on God’s faithfulness and practical strategies, fostering maturity in resisting sin.

July 13      David Wiggins — Humility in Maturity           Philippians 2:3-4

Goal: Cultivate a humble spirit as a foundational aspect of Christian maturity, reflecting Christ’s example and pleasing God.

July 20      Jonathan Pappas — Patience and Perseverance           James 1:2-4

Goal: Encourage believers to endure trials with patience and perseverance, understanding these as tools God uses to build maturity and hope.

July 27      Bob Pappas — Wisdom’s Role           James 1:5

Goal: Encourage believers to seek and apply godly wisdom as a key component of Christian maturity, enabling them to navigate life with discernment and purpose.

August 3      Seth Conder — Serving Others           Galatians 5:13

Goal: Inspire believers to mature through selfless service, using their freedom in Christ to love and uplift others as a reflection of Jesus’ example.

August 10      Shayne Miller — Unity in the Body           Ephesians 4:3

Goal: Foster unity within the church as a mark of Christian maturity, recognizing that believers are interconnected as one body under Christ.

August 17      Jay Ensley — Generosity           2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Goal: Inspire believers to grow in generosity as a mark of Christian maturity, reflecting God’s heart and trusting His provision.

August 24      Zach Miller — Self-Control           Galatians 5:22-23

Goal: Develop self-control as a mark of Christian maturity, empowered by the Holy Spirit to master impulses and live godly lives.

August 31      Adam Gomez — Discernment           Hebrews 5:14

Goal: Develop discernment as a mark of Christian maturity, enabling believers to distinguish between good and evil and make godly choices in a complex world.

Goals:

This class is intended to provide the audience with lessons designed to facilitate Christian growth and maturity. 2 Peter 3:18 – Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

This class is intended to provide prospective teachers with the experience of preparing and teaching lessons. Special care will be taken to provide each teacher with the materials and support needed to be successful and build confidence in his own specific giftedness. Ephesians 4:11-12 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up….

This class is intended to further the Boise Church of Christ’s mission of maturing disciples.

Be Strong and Courageous:

The LORD, the God of Israel, Fought for Israel

Israel’s success with Jericho and Ai really stirred up a “hornet’s nest” with the Canaanite peoples. They were desperate to devise strategies for their protection. The kings of the north formed an alliance and built a combined army to fight Israel. The kings of the south did the same. Last week. we learned about the Gibeonites who resorted to a ruse to trick Joshua into making a treaty with them (something God had forbidden). Their ruse worked and Joshua swore a rash oath to be their ally. This trick saved the Gibeonite cities, but it cost them their freedom and the ire of their Canaanite neighbors.

Joshua 10:1-5 Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and were living near them. 2 He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. 3 So Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon. 4 “Come up and help me attack Gibeon,” he said, “because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.” 5 Then the five kings of the Amorites– the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon– joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.

The Gibeonites called for help from their newfound ally and Joshua came to their aid.

Joshua 10:6-10 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us.” 7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” 9 After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. 10 The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great victory at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah.

God gave Israel a great victory that day. They were able to defeat the combined armies of the south in one battle! This battle is best known for the miracle God performed in making the sun stand still to allow more time in battle.

Joshua 10:11-14 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites. 12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!

Our lesson today builds on this one thought: if the LORD of Israel fought for them, how much more will he fight for us!

Romans 8:31-32 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all– how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

The Men of Israel… Did Not Inquire of the Lord

After Israel’s defeat of Jericho and Ai, the Canaanite peoples grew alarmed and began to devise strategies for their protection and defense. The kings of the north decided to make alliances with each other and create a unified army to challenge Joshua.

Joshua 9:1-2 Now when all the kings west of the Jordan heard about these things– those in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the entire coast of the Great Sea as far as Lebanon (the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites)– 2 they came together to make war against Joshua and Israel.

The Gibeonites, however, devised an alternate strategy; they “resorted to a ruse.”

Joshua 9:3-13 However, when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4 they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. 5 The men put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. 6 Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.” 7 The men of Israel said to the Hivites, “But perhaps you live near us. How then can we make a treaty with you?” 8 “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. But Joshua asked, “Who are you and where do you come from?” 9 They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the LORD your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt, 10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan– Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. 11 And our elders and all those living in our country said to us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go and meet them and say to them, “We are your servants; make a treaty with us.”‘ 12 This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is. 13 And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.”

Surprisingly, their ruse was successful!

Joshua 9:15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

Joshua’s treaty and subsequent oath by the leaders did not sit will with the people when the ruse was discovered. Though it is not mentioned in the text, I’m sure their “rash oath” was also not pleasing to God. Joshua and the leaders of the assembly made a serious error in judgment and the narrative clearly identifies it.

Joshua 9:14 The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD.

What an important lesson for us to learn in this age of scientific polls, church growth analysis, and cookie cutter programs. Research is a great tool, but we can do all the “human” research required to approve a course of action and still fail miserably  because it is not the LORD’s will. We must learn to inquire of the Lord! I’ll say more in my lesson.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

The Power and Influence of Mothers*

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down (Proverbs 14:1).

Brief as it is, this verse carries profound implications for the role of mothers in shaping families and communities. As the cornerstone of the home, a mother’s actions ripple outward, impacting not only her family but also the broader church and society.

The imagery of building a house suggests intentionality, strength, and care. A wise mother constructs her home on a foundation of godly principles. She nurtures her children and spouse with love, discipline, and spiritual guidance. She is a teacher, imparting values that shape character. Through her example, she instills virtues such as kindness, integrity, and faith in God. Her words, seasoned with grace, encourage and uplift; she creates an environment where family members thrive. This building process is not without challenges—motherhood demands patience and resilience—but the wise mother trusts in God’s strength to sustain her.

In contrast, the foolish woman “tears hers down” through actions driven by selfishness, anger, or neglect. This does not imply that every mistake a mother makes is destructive, but rather that consistent patterns of unwise choices—such as harsh words, lack of presence, or failure to model faith—can erode the stability of the home. The verse underscores the weight of a mother’s influence; her choices matter deeply, for they shape the emotional and spiritual health of her family.

Mothers in Scripture exemplify this dual potential. Hannah, who, through her fervent prayers and dedication, built a legacy of faith by dedicating Samuel to God (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Her wisdom and trust in God laid a foundation for Israel’s spiritual renewal.

On the other hand, Jezebel’s influence led her family and nation into idolatry, illustrating the destructive power of folly (1 Kings 21:25). A mother’s influence extends beyond her immediate household; she shapes future generations and communities.

In the church, mothers are vital builders of spiritual homes. They teach Sunday school, pray for their children’s salvation, and model Christlike love. Their faith inspires others and strengthens the body of Christ. A mother who prays for her wayward child, for instance, builds not only her own house but also the church’s foundation by entrusting her family to God. Her influence fosters a culture of hope and perseverance within the congregation.

The role of a mother is not limited to biological children. Spiritual mothers—women who mentor, nurture, and guide others in faith—also embody Proverbs 14:1. In churches, these women build up the body of Christ by investing in younger generations, offering wisdom and encouragement. Their influence reminds us that all women, regardless of family status, can build God’s house through their faithfulness.

As we reflect on Proverbs 14:1, let us honor the mothers in our midst. Their daily sacrifices, often unseen, are acts of wisdom that construct strong families and churches. Let us also encourage them, recognizing the challenges they face in a world that often undervalues their role. May our prayers support them as they build with love, faith, and wisdom, trusting God to guide their hands.

* This article was created in collaboration between the author and Grok3.

Be Strong and Courageous:

Israel Has Sinned

Emboldened by their victory at Jericho, the Israelites next turned their attention to Ai. This was, apparently, a much less formidable opponent than Jericho. Reconnaissance revealed that a force of around 2,000-3,000 in number should assure victory. However, this was not the result of the battle.

Joshua 7:2-5 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3 When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the people will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there.” 4 So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

Joshua fell down before the Lord and pled Israel’s case. Why had this happened? Why had God turned his back on his people?

Joshua 7:6-9 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. 7 And Joshua said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! 8 O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? 9 The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great name?”

The Lord interrupted what had begun to resemble a “pity party” to inform them of the real reason Israel was routed at Ai; they had sinned.

Joshua 7:10-13 The LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction. 13 “Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: That which is devoted is among you, O Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it.”

The opening verses of this chapter explain succinctly what had happened, but the remainder of it dramatically reveals a tragic story of greed and punishment.

Joshua 7:1 But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD’s anger burned against Israel.

Achan’s greed resulted in his own death, everyone in his household, and thirty-six of Israel’s best soldiers. Further, the rout at Ai disheartened the whole nation, destroyed Israel’s reputation among the Canaanites, and sullied the name of the LORD. All of this occurred because of one man’s sin. Such is the nature of sin. I’ll say more in my lesson.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

Shout! For the Lord has Given You the City

The King, mighty warriors, and people of Jericho were prepared. They had shut the gate. No one could come in or out. They were hunkered down and ready to defend their city. They were confident their mighty wall would withstand any assault. Perhaps they could endure the siege and outlast their enemy.

However, God had other plans for the inhabitants of Jericho. God had given Jericho into the hands of Israel.

Joshua 6:1-2 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.

The conquest of Canaan, beginning with Jericho, is both the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham and his descendants and an exercise of his divine judgment upon the idolatrous, wicked, and unrighteous practices of its inhabitants. Jericho, being the first city in the Promised Land, had been put under “the curse.” The NIV speaks of the city being “devoted to God.” This means that they were absolutely and irrevocably consecrated so that they could not be redeemed (Leviticus 27:28-29); it also meant they were sentenced to utter destruction (Deuteronomy 13:16). Only Rahab and her family along with the gold and silver spoils for the Lord’s treasury were spared.

Joshua 6:17-19 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the LORD. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the LORD and must go into his treasury.”

From a human standpoint, the problem Israel faced was that wall. How were they to breach that mighty wall? The answer lies in the activity of God. God had given them the city. This was to be no ordinary battle. This is why the heavenly warrior and the Lord’s army were dispatched. The defeat of Jericho was to be accomplished by a mere shout given at the command of Joshua.

For six days, the army of Israel marched once around the city, sounding their trumpets all the while, per God’s instructions. On the seventh day, they marched around it seven times. There must have been a period of silence, because, when the trumpets sounded again on the seventh pass, Joshua commanded the people to shout. When they shouted, the walls fell down flat. Israel’s army, completely surrounding the city, ran straight over the rubble and took the city.

Surely, God had given them the city, because the walls fell with just a shout!

What mighty obstacle have you encountered in your Christian walk? Don’t you know that, like Jericho, God can remove what seems to be unmovable!

I’ll say more in Sunday’s message.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey

Be Strong and Courageous:

As Commander of

the Army of the LORD

I Have Now Come

Everything has been prepared. Joshua leads by the authority of God. Israel is consecrated and obedient. The Jordan has been crossed. The people of God are enjoying the fruit of the Promised Land. They are poised to begin the conquest of the land when Joshua encounters a heavenly visitor.

In Sunday’s lesson, we will discuss Joshua’s encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Host.

Joshua 5:13-15 13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” 14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” 15 The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

I have met some interesting, at times even, famous, individuals in my life, but none like the one Joshua met near Jericho. Here was a man (?) with his sword drawn. This individual was prepared for battle and wielding his sword in an ambiguous enough way to prompt the response from Joshua, “Are you for us or for our enemies.” This is most likely to be viewed as a challenge to the stranger by Israel’s general, “Halt! Who goes there? Friend or Foe?”

The stranger’s response is intriguing, “Neither.” In the same breath he will identify himself as the commander of the Lord’s Army, but the response is still odd. If I may paraphrase, he says, “I am neither for you nor for your enemies.”

This is confusing. Is the LORD no longer on Israel’s side? Will this heavenly warrior refuse to fight for God’s people? No, God has not left Israel. The commander of God’s army is making his allegiance clear – it is for the LORD and the LORD alone that he fights.

This lesson is one we need to learn today. We commonly think of God being “on our side” in whatever allegiances we may take. We may have good, even biblical, reasons for whatever side we may take doctrinally, religiously, socially, politically, nationally or even in regard to our college football team (have you ever prayed your team would win?).

However, God is not Republican or Democrat, American or Israeli, Capitalist or Communist, conservative or liberal, progressive or traditional, Bronco or Vandal. A common reason for our becoming disillusioned with God is our expectation that he will always support our cause, plan, program, ministry, etc. This is a naïve expectation that assumes that God thinks like us.

No, instead, we should ask if we are on God’s side. That was the allegiance of LORD’s Commander and that is why Joshua changed his attitude from challenging a rival – “are you for us or our enemies” – to humble submission before God – “what message does my Lord have for his servant?”

Victory is for those who are on the LORD’s side, not for those who think the LORD is on theirs.

Be Strong and Courageous! Joey