Neither for Us or Against Us

Text: Joshua 5:13-15 Theme: Favor from God comes through obedience Key verses: “Joshua…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?’ ‘Neither,’ he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell face downward to the ground in reverence, and asked him, ‘What message does my Lord have for his servant?’ Then 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. (v. 13-15) What God said to me: Dwayne, be careful not to misinterpret what I’m wanting to tell you today. Because of my Son living in you you are favored by me period. Make no mistake that you are pleasing in my sight. However, the principle of obedience still applies. Paul said if I be for you… Who, therefore, am I against? – those who do not obey me, those who have rejected my Son. My wrath abides on them. But as for you, my son, there are points at which I am neither for you or against you. I come to you through the powerful, daunting sword of my Word and give you a choice. I do not stand before you at those moments as loving Father, but as Commander and Lord. I present to you who I am and you must choose to bow in surrender or rebel. If your response is as Joshua’s and if you obey my direct and implicit commands, then my favor and my anointing will rest on you for your assigned task ahead. If you choose not to take off your shoes and recognize my holiness and authority, then you are on your own to dodge the ditches and fight the lions and knock down the high walls alone. Remember, without me you can do nothing, but with and through me you can do all things. What I said to God: Father, thank You so much for speaking to me in Your authoritative, matter-of-fact, Lordly way this morning. I humbly bow my heart, life and body before You. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and anoint me for Your service today. I know I cannot do anything apart from You, and I dare not try. Help my wife and my boys to recognize your holiness and power and authority in their day as well. May we surrender and obey.