Joshua 5:1-15
5:1 Every nation which felt confident against the children of Israel begin to feel... doomed. God has explained that He is taking away land from nation which is evil, Deuteronomy 9:5. As a righteous army, led by God, moves against them, they begin to fear.
God's children are always underestimated at first. Led by love, we are sometimes confused as weak. Yet through the love of God we learn what power actually is. Romans 8:31, no nation or person or force has any power against us as long as we are teamed with God.
The children of Israel appear to be a rag-tag army, undisciplined in military battle. What they do not realize that discipline in faith is the only battle-training they need.
5:2-7 Joshua is told to circumcise the sons of Israel. Although circumcision is a defunct practice, it once served as evidence of submission to God. It was a symbol of cleanliness of faith. Although many of the Israelites were circumcised before, children have grown into men after 40 years in the wilderness. Moreover, some of the men previously defected from the faith. A renewal commitment to this faith takes place.
5:8-9 This symbolism of circumcision of the group is a restoration. The men who defected left a gap and God fills it in with faith.
5:10-12 Keeping tradition, the Israelites celebrate Passover. Their traditions of faith help them to maintain their spiritual faith, the true tether which binds and individual to God. The Israelites no longer subsist on manna, the angel food God provided in the desert. God is bringing this people into a fertile land... food for them will be abundant.
The transition from manna to typical food is evidence that the children of Israel have graduated in understanding: they now understand that God is the provider of all meals and things. Literal representation of that point is no longer necessary.
5:13 As Joshua approaches Jericho, he looks up and sees someone with a drawn sword. In complete strength of faith, Joshua walks over to the man... with the drawn sword! He approaches a fierce-looking person with a weapon because he trusts that God will protect him.
We should think of this in metaphorical terms: We need not shrink or hesitate from living boldly, walking toward where God leads us with trust in His path. The lifestyle of trusting God is something that must be created, supported and maintained by studious, passionate faith. Yet all children of God should endeavor toward the faith Joshua has in God. Joshua lives by God's directives and therefore knows that God will not forsake him.
Joshua outright asks the man this question: Are you for us... or are you for our enemies? Joshua gets directly to the point. Yet as we read, we will see that even Joshua is on a quest of faith and understanding.
5:14 The man answers that is neither for them or for their enemies... He is for God. This is a beautiful moment because it disentangles us from the world and even from ourselves. This entity serves as a child of God. His identity is servant of God.
Joshua suddenly understands that He is speaking to an angel and bows deeply to the ground. When people in the Bible bow down to the Angel of the Lord and His messengers, it is not out of fear.... rather it is out of fascination. God's love is so overwhelming, so pure and luminous that the natural reaction is to bow in adoration.
Joshua answers: What does my Lord say to His servant?
Wow. Should we not begin each of our days with the very same question? Joshua immediately understands that he is about to receive a lesson and direction sent directly from God. Joshua takes the position of a reverent student. He opens his mind, heart and life to what God wills.
God causes us to bloom like spring flowers. From dirt we transition into tight little buds... in need of encouragement and a steady push against gravity. A steady push against opposition in all its forms: oppression, self-doubt...
And then when God causes us to bloom, our faith keeps our petals spread wide. Open in cheerful anticipation of the brilliant light, love and wisdom God streams into our lives, hearts, and minds. His bursting, warm, steady light feeds us, provides the nutrients we need to remain in bloom. Joshua opens his whole self to the love, direction, and wisdom of God. So should we.
5:15 The Angel instructs Joshua to take his shoes off, as he is on holy ground. Joshua complies. Taking his shoes off is like the rolling up of sleeves. Time to acknowledge the situation and give it the attention it deserves and requires. Time to get to work.
