The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so –

Joshua 5:15

He had war on his mind – the first of a series of wars He led Israel to fight to possess the Promised Land. It was no mean task. As a young man, Joshua had walked closely with Moses and seen the mighty works of God in Egypt, across the Red, and through the wilderness crossing. When the Amalekites attacked the Israelites, Moses appointed Joshua to form a ragtag army to fight them in the valley. Now Moses was dead, and God had appointed Joshua in his place. God assured Joshua that He would be with him, as He was with Moses. To confirm this, God stopped the Jordan river at flood stage and led the people through into Canaan. The once discouraged and fearful Joshua was now brimming with confidence, as he prepared the people for war. Jericho presented the first challenge, and Joshua stepped outside his camp to reflect and map up a strategy for the battle. He was in charge, and ready to display his military prowess. But he was in for a surprise.

Joshua feels a strange presence that causes Him to look upwards. There before him stands a man with a drawn sword in His hands. Now who is this? Why is he standing outside the heavily fortified city? Is he on Israel’s side or the side of the enemy? (Joshua 5:13).

“Neither … but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”

Years of walking with Moses has come to pay off. Joshua recognizes that voice. He has heard it many times, as the Lord instructed Moses. Without a doubt, Joshua is before the Holy One of Israel, the pre-incarnate Jesus, so he prostrates in worship and surrender.

“What message does my Lord have for His servant?”

“Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

The Boss has come! He has not come for the Canaanites, nor to support the Israelite army. The battle is His, and He has come as Supreme Commander of the host of heaven’s army to take charge. Israel will fail miserably without Him. But so long as they surrender to His command, they will win every battle. Joshua understands this, so he yields to Him.

That is how you will win your battles in 2020 – surrendering to the authority and command of Jesus in holy living; for whatever He touches must be holy. You are not in charge of your life. He is! His commands may sound absurd (6:2-5) but embedded in them is the power for victory. We appropriate it only by obedience. Joshua and Israel did, and won a stunning victory over Jericho.     

So, learn to let yourself go in the hands of Jesus, the Commander of the Lord’s armies, and claim your victory in every battle this year.