Joshua 5:13-15 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold… I. THE TIME OF HIS APPEARANCE. 1. After attending to "religious duties," "circumcision" and the "Passover." Joshua knew what kind of beginning was likely to end well; unlike a number of modern Christians. 2. While pursuing his appointed work. "By Jericho." Probably alone, yet fearless of danger. "By Jericho" for some important purpose. God visits the working man. Moses, Gideon, David, Elisha, sons of Zebedee. The covetous and idle are rarely called by God to great work. II. THE MANNER OF HIS APPEARANCE. 1. As supreme in command: "Captain of the Lord's host." Captain over Joshua. Whatever be our abilities, our titles, or our claims to office, we must yield them all up to the "Captain of the Lord's host." 2. As the very friend Joshua needed — in the character and dress of a soldier. 3. As justifying the war in which he was about to engage. There are wars in which God will engage — against sin and the devil. The victories of the Church are bloodless. 4. As encouraging him to wage it valiantly. "Drawn sword." Ready to take the defensive or the offensive. To Abraham He said, "I am thy shield." To the disciple He said, "Follow Me." III. OUR DUTY IN RELATION TO SUCH AN APPEARANCE. 1. To be found evincing an interest in Israel. "Joshua was by Jericho." 2. To be ready to lay ourselves at Jesus' feet, saying, "What saith my Lord unto His servant." Say anything, Lord, and I will do it. Appoint me any work, and I am ready to perform it. (W. H. Matthews.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? |
    |