THE NARROW PATH TO RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - DAY 54

by Rev. Robert John Cericola, Carroll, OH - EUA 

Day 54

Complete Surrender, Joshua (5:13-14)

         

Joshua 1:7 (NKJV) "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go."

When Joshua was chosen to lead Israel into the promised land the Lord told him he would prosper wherever he went if he would be strong and courageous and obey the Law of Moses.

In the New Covenant, just like Joshua, we to need strength and courage and obedience to prosper.

Joshua 5:13–14 (NKJV) 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. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” So He said, “No, but as Commander 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?”

At the beginning of chapter five Israel has crossed over the Jordan into the Promised Land and are camped near Jericho.  All the men that came out of Egypt had disobeyed the Lord and consequently died in the wilderness outside the Promised Land. To reestablish the covenant and a new beginning, the Lord instructed Joshua to circumcise the new generation of men that had been born in the wilderness.

One day after the celebration of Pentecost Joshua looks up and sees a Man (we know this is the Lord, because no angel would allow Joshua to worship him) standing opposite of him with his sword drawn. Joshua showing great courage asks the man are you for or against us? At the words “I am Commander of the army of the Lord” Joshua falls onto his face and begins to worship.

As you follow the commandment to love, that lights the narrow path, a time of complete surrender of your will to His will come. As you worship in His Holy presence Jesus may reveal an assignment to you which will require strength and courage.

Receiving an assignment from the Lord is precious when in His presence, but often becomes fright-full outside of His presence. However, have no fear, for when your strength is gone and your courage is failing, His power and his strength will supply the courage you need to obey and carry out your assignment.

Ending Thoughts

Are you completely surrendered to Christ’s will? Are you ready for your next assignment or are you afraid of failing?