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Joshua Chapter 5 (ESV)
First Passover in Canaan
¹⁰ While the people of Israel were encamped at Gilgal, they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening on the plains of Jericho. ¹¹ And the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. ¹² And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.

The Commander of the Lord’s Army
¹³ When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” ¹⁴ And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” ¹⁵ And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

REFLECTION:

• The Israelites celebrated Passover by looking back to their redemption from Egypt, and remembered God’s provision. From now on, Israel would live by faith, not by sight. The manna now ceased. No fiery pillar would lead. Daily, visible evidence of God’s presence would be absent for the first time in the memory of many of the Israelites. Yet the people under Joshua would trust and obey God. Seen or unseen, God is with His people. We can trust Him to lead us to victory.
• “Take off your sandals” (v15) is almost identical to the command given to Moses at the burning bush (Ex 3:5). Thus, Joshua was confronted with the living God, as Moses had been (Ex 33:9-11).
• List as many different postures of worship recorded in the Bible as you can recall. What posture is the most common today? Most uncommon?
• Sometime this week in a place where you won’t be disturbed, try to choose the posture that is most unfamiliar to you and worship God in this way until the time is over.

PRAYER:

Holy, holy, holy! My God, my God, You are the Almighty who was, who is, and who will be forever! O gracious and majestic Heavenly Father, You are worthy of glory, honor, and authority! For You have created all things, and everything exists according to Your will. All things reflect Your eternal mystery and beautiful radiance. Though I cannot see the pillar of fire and cloud that led the Israelites in the past, by the faith You have given me, I can perceive Your grace and glory in all things. Among the many red leaves that fall in autumn, I search for the verses of love You have written for humanity. In the countless snowflakes that dance in winter, I listen intently to Your holy call to Your children. In the gentle waves of spring waters and the abundance of stars on summer nights, I see Your good intentions for all humankind. Even though I may not encounter burning bushes or drawing swords before me, I will remove my shoes and worship You with a solemn and reverent heart. For everywhere I look, I see Your fingerprints, and wherever my feet stand, that place becomes a sacred ground where I meet You. I will also be humble and gentle, surrendering before You, and ask that You be my Commander throughout my life, guiding me every step of the way. Amen!

HYMN:

Holy Holy Holy (We Bow Before Thee) – youtu.be/qpwpqexUNdw