In this devotional from the Joshua series, Pastor Mike Woodruff reflects on one of the most searching questions the book of Joshua puts before us — not "Is God on my side?" but "Am I on His?"

The Israelites have crossed the Jordan on dry ground, renewed their covenant through circumcision and Passover, and watched forty years of daily manna come to an end. They are finally in the Promised Land. And yet the journey isn't over — it's just entering a new and harder chapter. Jericho looms ahead, a famously fortified stronghold, and Joshua finds himself alone at night in that liminal space between yesterday's miracle and today's reality.

That's when the figure appears — sword drawn, unannounced. Joshua steps forward like the soldier he is and demands to know: Are you for us or for our enemies?

The answer reframes everything: Neither. But as commander of the army of the Lord, I have now come.

This is a Christophany — the pre-incarnate Jesus appearing to Joshua. And just as Moses removed his sandals on holy ground, Joshua is told to do the same. He falls on his face. Because this is not a moment to recruit God. This is a moment to surrender.

As Tim Keller once observed, we tend to want a God who comforts us but not one who commands us — a Savior who comes to our aid but not a Lord who takes the lead. But that's not what this encounter offers. God doesn't show up to endorse our agenda. He shows up to invite us into His.

Pastor Mike closes with a question worth sitting with today: Are you submitting your life to God, or are you simply asking Him to bless yours?

📖 Series: Joshua — A Devotional Study 🎙️ Pastor: Mike Woodruff 📌 Scripture Focus: Joshua 5:13–15

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