In the beginning of the book of Joshua, Joshua had just become the leader after Moses’ death.

 

God’s call on Joshua’s life was great. He was to complete the task of entering and conquering the Promised Land. However, God’s promise to him was equally as great. God told him over and over to have courage. Be strong. Obey. I will be with you.

 

“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭

 

A few chapters later in Joshua chapter 5, we meet the commander of the Lord’s army. “When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told.” Joshua‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭

 

Joshua showed extreme courage, as God called him to do, when he boldly said to a Man very likely to be an intimidating, great sort of Man, “Who are you?!” After the Man identified Himself, Joshua showed extreme humility.

 

When Joshua came face to face with this “commander of the Lord’s army,” whom Joshua knew to be Jesus, his courage shifted from external to internal. It wasn’t courage to fight an enemy, the courage came in the form of humility. Courage for Joshua to have said, “Jesus, at your word, I’ll do anything. What do you want me to do?”

 

It takes great humility to not focus on what is going on around us, but to lean into the Lord and whatever His plan is for our life.

 

We don’t need to ask questions of Jesus. Sometimes we ask too many questions. The questions may be valid. They may be reasonable. Fortunately for Joshua, and us, sometimes we don’t need the answers to our questions. Joshua simply acknowledged the lordship of the One standing in front of him, and submitted to the call. Obedience led to victory. Jesus was with him. Jesus was talking care of his adversaries. Jesus fought the battle. Joshua simply obeyed.