Joshua 5:13-6:7

Hey New Life,

As we start the new year, our Daily Bible starts us in the book of Joshua, a new chapter for the history of Israel. We see the start of their conquest of the Promised Land in our passage today (Joshua 5:13-6:7). 

Joshua first encounters the commander of the army of the LORD, who is the LORD Himself, shown in the hallowed ground in v. 15 and in v. 2. In v. 13, Joshua asks Him if He is for Israel or for their enemies.

The LORD answers with a No. This is a great reminder about who God is and who we are. It's not about God being on our side, but it's about us being on His side. God is not our assistant or our genie. He is our LORD, and we must submit to Him.

Next, we see the LORD's instructions to conquer the great city of Jericho (march around the city once for six days, march around the city 7 times on the 7th day). It takes great faith to believe that this is what will give Israel victory. I'm sure some people doubt on the 4th or 5th day, wondering if this plan is going to work. However, God is showing Israel that they are not victorious by their own strength or might but by the power of the LORD. 

In the same way, all we have to do is trust. Our salvation does not come from our strength or might, but it comes by the power and grace of the LORD. And even if our faith is not perfect and we doubt, we see God still gives the victory.

This victory is not based on our perfect work, but it's based on the perfect work of Jesus, who loved us and gave Himself for us. He is the One who died for our sins and gives us His righteousness. He brings us into the family of God and gives us life forevermore.

New Life, with this new year, let us surrender to the side of the Lord. Let us trust in Christ's perfect work, and let us live in victory.

In Christ,

Pastor Tim