Friday, March 7

Scripture: Joshua 5-8, Psalms 66

Today’s reading shows how much God cares for us in the highs and the lows, and how he wants unity. The Israelites have been waiting to reach the promised land for 40 years and after crossing the Jordan River, Joshua realizes that Jericho stands in the way. After realizing this, he was most likely afraid. I know I would be afraid if I had to take over an entire city. But God sends a warrior holding a drawn sword, so Joshua asks the question “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The man then gives an amazing answer, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have come.” Joshua then instantly collapses in praise.

We see two things here. First, God truly cares for us in the highs and the lows. The Israelites were taken care of for 40 years by God and now they were ready to be done with the wandering. This high comes crumbling down when they reach Jericho. At this point God sends His “commander” to assure Joshua that He is in control. It is the same for us, even when it feels hopeless, God says I have been here all along, trust me. It reminds me of the song Faithful Now by Vertical Worship, it says: 

“You make mountains move /  You make giants fall

You use songs of praise / To shake prison walls

I will speak to my fear / I will preach to my doubt

You were faithful then / You'll be faithful now”

Second, it shows God wants unity for all. When the warrior says  “Neither” to Joshua, he shows he is not favoring anyone.  We have to remember to look at each other this way too: we aren’t better than one another. We all are the same and should be in unity with each other, we are all one family under God.

Prayer: Dear God, would you help us to remember that you are there for us and are in control. Remind us of this when we are afraid and are at a low. Also, help us remember to be unified with each other through you and not try to divide in a world that wants us to. In your name we pray, amen.

~Ben Martin

Daily Prayer Focus: Residents of York City