Homilist 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. THAT IN THE TRUE CAMPAIGN GOD HAS COMMITTED TO MAN A GREAT WORK. 1. An onerous work. We live in a world of evil. Corrupt principles, the mighty "powers of darkness," possess the world. They crowd our sphere of action; and, alas! they are encamped within us. The work to which we are called is their entire extermination, both from within and without. 2. A righteous work. The man who consecrates his energies to the downfall of evil, whose life is one earnest struggle against the principalities and powers of darkness, is acting evermore in accordance with the eternal law of rectitude. He is "fighting the good fight of faith," and if he is faithful he shall receive "a Crown of glory that fadeth not away." 3. An indispensable work. Never will you possess the Canaan of spiritual harmony, moral approbation, self-control, uplifting thoughts, heavenly affections, ever-brightening hopes, and free and blessed intercourse with the Infinite Father of spirits, without the expulsion of all evil from your soul. II. THAT IN THE TRUE CAMPAIGN GOD BLESSES MAN WITH A GREAT LEADER. "The Captain of the Lord's host" — Jesus Christ, "the Captain of our salvation." 1. As a moral commander He is ever present when needed. 2. As a moral commander He is always ready. 3. As a moral commander He is all-sufficient. III. THAT IN THE TRUE CAMPAIGN GOD REQUIRES A GREAT SPIRIT. Joshua here displays — 1. A spirit of indomitable valour. 2. A spirit of reverent inquiry. 3. A spirit of solemn obedience. (Homilist.) 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? |
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