In this devotional from the Joshua series, Pastor Mike Woodruff sets the scene for one of the most pivotal moments in the entire book — not the famous battle itself, but the quiet, charged encounter that happens the night before.

The Israelites have crossed the Jordan and are now in the land. Three spiritually significant moments mark this transition: the men are circumcised, reestablishing the Abrahamic Covenant; Passover is celebrated, remembering God's deliverance; and the manna stops. Forty years of supernatural provision comes to an end. The wandering is over. The real work begins.

Then we find Joshua alone at night — walking, thinking, praying, maybe panicking. The river crossing is yesterday's miracle. Now he's staring at Jericho's walls with an untested army and not enough food. And out of the darkness, a man appears with a drawn sword.

"Are you for us or for our enemies?" Joshua asks.

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

This is what theologians call a Christophany — an appearance of Jesus before the incarnation. And Joshua's response is immediate: he falls on his face. Because he understands in that moment that he was never going to recruit God onto his side. God doesn't take sides. God shows up to take over.

Pastor Mike leaves us with a challenge that cuts straight to the heart: before we wage war on whatever battle lies ahead of us, we need to do what Joshua did. Pause. Look up. Recognize who's really in charge. And worship before we fight.

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

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Worship Before War: Surrendering to the Commander of the Lord's Army