"And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood opposite him with his sword drawn in His hand" (Joshua 5:13). This encounter occurred as Joshua was preparing to lead Israel into battle against Jericho. A formidable warrior stood before him, having a sword drawn in his hand. Who is this warrior, and what does God intend by this event?

"And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, 'Are You for us or for our adversaries?' So He said, 'No, but as Captain of the army of the Lord I have now come.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, 'What does my Lord say to His servant?' Then the Captain of the Lord's army said to Joshua, 'Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.' And Joshua did so" (Josh 5:13-15). Joshua knew that this man was not from his nation. He also knew that this man's knowledge of his presence could jeopardize the upcoming conquest of Jericho; yet he wisely did not attack him. Imagine if he had! Certain defeat! This was the Captain of the Lord's army! Leader of an innumerable host of invincible angels! From this, let us learn two things about our encounters. --First, that we know little of others when we first meet them. They may be necessary and useful relations, sent by God to help us along the way; or they may prove to be foes, who will seek to hinder us in life, and become to us bitterness of soul. We must always hope and pray for the former, while knowing that we may sometimes be subject to the latter. When Abraham lifted his eyes and saw three strange men, he quickly showed them hospitality, knowing little that the LORD Himself had come for a visit (Genesis Ch. 18). The outcome was that he and his wife were blessed with a child in their old age. We read in scripture, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Heb 13:2). But there are also those like Doeg, who, after seeing Ahimelech the Priest with David, informed Saul and instigated the deaths of Ahimelech and the Priests of Nob (1 Sam Ch's 21-22). It takes wisdom to know the difference. --Second, that we do well to avoid making adversaries of those we meet along the way. Even if this man appeared to be a foe, Joshua knew that he was better as a friend than an enemy. It is the same with our relations. As much as is possible with us, we should be at peace with all men (Rom 12:18). But if our efforts fail, or the truth offends, God assures us, "when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God" (1 Pet 2:20).

Notice that there can be no indifference in the things of God. Joshua did not ask, "are you for us, for our adversaries, or neutral?" Many believe that their position of neutrality in religion is acceptable and even noble. The perfectly good concept of tolerance--peaceful coexistence with those who disagree--has been turned into blind acceptance and relativism. But Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with me scatters" (Luke 11:23). Consider also that Joshua's question logically demanded one of two responses: either "I am for you" or "I am against you." But the Captain of the Lord's army said, "No." It was to say, "Joshua, you have asked the wrong question. I am Captain of the Lord's army. The question is, are you for me or against me?" We must choose whom we will serve. We must ponder whether the sword of the Lord stands with us or against us, and that question is best answered by asking, "Am I for Him or against Him?"

Let us also notice that victory belongs to the Lord. Would Joshua conquer by his own might, or skill, or wisdom? Could that nation of Israel, an untrained and ill-equipped band of wanderers, conquer a fortified land of warriors? Can any victory come unless it comes from the Lord? No. This encounter teaches us that our efforts, though instrumental, can never be effectual apart from God. "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord" (Prov 21:31). "No king is saved by the multitude of an army. A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety. Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine" Psalm (33:16-19). "'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). Do we not have encouragement here to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Eph 6:10)? Does He not command us to go forward, trusting Him for deliverance and victory? Everything about the attributes of God should excite us to confidence. He is almighty, all knowing, all merciful; a loving Father who cares for His people. Any of our victories, if they come, will be from His tender hand. "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7).

But while success belongs to God, notice here that God sanctions--yes, even commands--the use of means. God would give the victory, but Joshua had to fight. God would bring down the walls of Jericho, but the people of Israel had to first encircle it for seven days. God would give them the land of Canaan, but the warriors had to take it by force. So we see in life the general principle that we must plant and water, but God must cause the growth. It is also clear from this passage that God sanctions the appropriate use of war. He does so in both Old and New Testaments. In this instance, Joshua was commissioned to take Jericho by force, the beginning of the conquest of the land of Canaan. War is a means used by God for the protection and preservation of society and the punishment of the wicked. But although scripture and providence inform us that war must sometimes be waged, it is never to be desired. It is never to be entered upon lightly, nor is it ever to be conducted for unrighteous gain, or without regard for the value and dignity of human life. As all other means, it is to be rightly used for the glory of God and the good of others. "By wise counsel, wage war" (Prov 20:18).

Notice also that we will find God in the way of obedience. Prior to this encounter, Joshua had obeyed God by circumcising the people and observing the Passover. He now stood near the city of Jericho, likely praying and determining the best strategy to take that city as God had commanded him. At this time, God appeared to him. We also see in scripture that the ten lepers were cleansed in the midst of obeying Christ's command to go to the priests (Luke 17:12-14); the Israelites won victory against a great multitude as they obediently walked into battle (2 Chron Ch 20); and the walls of Jericho fell when the Israelites encircled the city for seven days at God's command (Josh 6:12-20). But someone may say "What good is it to observe God's ways if my heart is not in it? Our works should flow from a heart of faith and joy and from a love for serving God." True, but the lack or imperfection of these must never be used to excuse our duty to obey God. Who says that the feelings of the heart determine what we should do? "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool" (Prov 28:26). God is greater than our hearts, and we will find that He sometimes visits us not before our obedience, but upon it and after it.

Having heard the same words that were spoken to Moses at the burning bush, Joshua fell on his face and worshipped. Can we not, then, conclude that this warrior was none other than the pre-incarnate Christ? He is here the Captain of the Lord's army; in the book of Hebrews, He is the Captain of our salvation (Heb 2:10). He here has a sword drawn in His hand; in the book of Revelation, He has a two-edged sword going forth from His mouth (Rev 1:16). He here appeared to lead Israel into the Promised Land; He now leads His people through the wilderness of this world, and will again appear to usher them into heaven. He is the King of Kings who rules over us, and the Captain who goes before us in battle. He says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).