COMMANDER

IFF, Identification Friend or Foe, is a system developed during World War II used by military (and now civilian) air traffic controllers to rightly identify friendly or hostile aircraft.  Now, the infamous under-the-sea Krusty Krab diner could have used such a system to sort out the truth of the tales told by Mr. Krab and Planton.  And so goes life according to SpongeBob ...

 

Having led the Hebrews across the Jordan and in their first Passover celebration of the Promised Land,  Joshua, Moses’ protégé and Israel’s new leader, soon had a divine encounter: "When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man was standing before him with His drawn sword in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, 'Are you for us, or for our adversaries?' And He said, 'No; but I am the Commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to Him, 'What does my lord say to His servant?' And the Commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, 'Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so." (Joshua 5:13-15).  There's much to glean from this passage, but note God's response to Joshua's "friend or foe" question -- basically, God answered …  neither!  It was important Joshua - the commander of Israel, knew God -- The Commander! God was neither committed to destroy all the Canaanites nor  to deliver all the Israelites – He was and would be Sovereign.  There are many things in the world and in and in our personal lives we don't understand and cannot explain.  Here's a news flash - God reigns!  Our appropriate and honorable address to The Sovereign King and Commander is always, "What does my lord say to His servant?" We should readily seek to know how God will use us and grow us in every circumstance of life.  Admittedly, I tend to struggle against my circumstances which only hinders growing in wisdom and grace.  James wrote, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3).  Yes, indeed, God is Friend to those who love Him but that does not mean He makes our spiritual journey's path smooth and effortless.  Because of Christ Jesus, we have capacity to honor Him as we grow through life’s twists, turns and bumps. Joshua's posture is noteworthy -- bowed, barefoot, submitted.  What a way to start each day!