WHAT IS YOUR JERICHO TODAY?

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?” 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?” 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. (Joshua 5:13-15 ESV)

This last year I was able to visit Jericho in the land of Israel.  It is a city just north of the Dead Sea and was the gateway to entering into The Promised Land. At first glance - it doesn't look like a lot - but it was a formidible city with men that were all built like Russian weight lifters. Besides that, they had strong defenses with walls that seemed to reach up to heaven.  Joshua, having been one of the twelve spies, knew what exactly what they were facing.  He knew the obstacles that lay before them.

In this passage, we see Joshua "by Jericho."  He is looking out over the city (the obstacle before him). In his mind he is probably thinking, "What am I doing?" The awesome responsibility of the task ahead is perhaps weighing heavily upon him. All of a sudden - He sees a man standing there with a drawn sword, so he approaches him and questions, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" The reply comes back, "As the Captain of the Lord's host have I come."

Keep in mind that Joshua had received earlier promises that God would be with him...

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5, 9 ESV)

But Joshua needed reassurance because the conquering of the this land was going to be a great undertaking.  I'm sure he was dealing with fear but Joshua was now a man of faith.

• Faith looks not at the difficulties, but to the Lord. 
• Faith believes more in the promises of God to help, than in the power of Satan to hinder.
• Faith will give comfort in the midst of fears, unbelief will bring fears in the midst of comfort.
• Faith makes great burdens light, unbelief makes light burdens unbearably heavy.
• Faith lifts us up when we are down, unbelief casts us down when we are up.
• Faith brings peace and comfort to our souls, unbelief brings restlessness.
• Faith brings assurance, unbelief brings fear.

THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD'S HOST - This would be none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. I can imagine that Joshua was greatly relieved and he immediately bows and worships Him.

What is your Jericho today?  Is it some addiction?  Is it a relationship that needs alignment?  Is it your finances?  The list could go on and on.  What obstacle and barrier is before you?  Do you today feel that you are over your head? The tasks that lie before you are greater than you can handle? Are you fearful or apprehensive about the future?  The same Captain of the Lord's host that met Joshua there near Jericho wants to meet you today. Lift up your eyes and see that God is ready to go before you and lead you into the promised land.  

Victory had already been promised but Joshua just needed a reminder that he wasn't doing this alone - HE HAD THE HELP OF THE CAPTAIN OF LORD'S HOST.  There is no obstacle (Jericho) before you that can defeat you.  Stand by faith knowing that you won't be doing this battle alone - God is with you!

No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed... (Isaiah 54:17 ESV)

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)