Whose Side Are You On?

Joshua saw what he thought was a military commander and demanded to know which side the "man" supported.

Sound familiar?

What Joshua had yet to realize was that he was standing before an angel of the Lord. The proper attitude for Joshua was submission to God, not to demand a statement of allegiance to one side or the other.

We should not ask if God is on OUR side but should ask, “Are WE on GOD’s SIDE?”

So the angel answered "neither." Once Joshua HUMBLED HIMSELF and took off his sandals, God did fight for Israel; however, a posture of humility preceded their victory. If this was the case for Israel, should we not heed such wisdom and follow suit?

The real issue was not whether God was for Joshua's side or his enemies' side, but whether Joshua stood before God in submission.

Have you ever found yourself sounding like Joshua, saying “Whose side are you on—ours or our enemies?” Maybe your question is more specific, “Are you on MY side or theirs?”

Whether it’s circumstances involving our personal relationships, or especially as the election approaches, let us not get so caught up in politics and/or self-defense and the need for self-validation that we forget the assignment belonging to those in the Lord’s army—

to remain in submission to do God’s will,
His work,
His service,
to adhere to and exemplify His teachings,
and primarily, to seek and save the lost through not just our preaching but with demonstrations of love and service, winning others to the heart of God through our good deeds consistently shining before them, providing tangible aid and support.

“I came not to CALL the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
~ Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World

It was a “call.” In Greek, this word can mean an “invitation.” If someone invites you to a banquet, would you be eager to join a party when you knew everyone there wanted to fight you?

Make sure your invitation represents the nature of the King that’s hosting the banquet.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:17

And perhaps consider, the next time someone asks us, “Whose side are you on?” we follow the example of the angel of the Lord replying, “Neither. I'm a servant in GOD's army.”

Misti Rains Kantor

Newer reflection: Back to 1985

Earlier reflection: Cultivating Meekness