The Weight of Leading Others

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant?
Joshua 5:13‭-‬14 KJV

Thus far, Joshua has followed all the instructions of the Lord. His only problem was what was about to happen the following day, without Moses. Its okay to be a soldier to fight under instructions, but he had never taken a whole view of the battle field. The fights are different. Then it pleased God to give Joshua a visit, give him encouragement and strengthen his leadership. Its not clear whether Joshua was just on a meditative stroll or out to spy things for himself. He however had an encounter with another soldier. His challenge to the other soldier brought him to his knees. Its a declaration: they need help. Who wouldn’t? Jericho was impregnable. Isn’t it beautiful that at the time of our greatest struggles, God is there with us? He has promised that He will never leave nor forsake us. Joshua did not prostrate out of weakness, but of surrender to a higher command. Someone says, ” This Captain of the Lord’s Army Who met with Joshua, is the same Captain of our Salvation. He came to Joshua to take control, just as He comes to lead and guide us in the way that we should go”. Are you confronted by life, and you wonder how you can make it? You are not alone. Captain Jesus has his sword drawn on your behalf. Like Joshua, its time to surrender to his leadership. That may not be easy for some of us who have always maintained control, but its the best life decision to let go and let God. Follow on to see God changed Joshua’s strategies.