JOSHUA 5:13-15; JOHN 20:19-23

Joshua Generation Series 8

Introduction

You probably will stop reading the bible sooner than later if you believe that reality is limited to this physical world. Remove the supernatural from Christianity and you no longer have Christianity. Without the miraculous and the spiritual aspects recorded in the Bible you have very few pages left of the Holy Book. Still, many Christians deny present-day experiences related to the spiritual world. Or at best, they are defensive and fearful about the supernatural realm, not wanting to talk about it and warning everyone to stay away. At the same time the general population is intrigued with spiritual realities. Popular television programs are incorporating supernatural phenomena and para-normal experiences into the lives of their actors.

Young people surrounding us are being reared on videos portraying every aspect pertaining to the invisible dimension. Occult and various mystical teachings are a part of their daily diets. The world is paying money to witness mystical phenomena reported in magazines and portrayed in their movie theaters. People give themselves to these things because they are hungry for spiritual reality. It is time for the Church to offer God’s answers to the people around us who are hungering. We must not allow evil men and women to fill the void. The unbelievers are our Jerichos to win. It is not enough for Christians to give warnings concerning this cult or that deception. We must win, this generation to our Lord Jesus Christ. We must get on the offensive. Notice in our reading how Joshua was bold to go to the man who suddenly appeared over against him. It was obvious he was doing some form of surveillance mapping out how he might attack Jericho.

Most importantly, it is time that we prepare the Church for an increase of the supernatural in Her midst. I am writing with a belief that we need original fire from God. In the past, we have seen various gifts of the Holy Spirit, but it is our hope and faith that before the return of Jesus Christ, the Church will arise to a place of maturity, during which She will do the very works of Jesus, and greater works (John 14:12). It is time Christians understand and learn how to experience the supernatural in a greater measure.

Joshua’s Encounter with Christ in Human Form– Josh. 5:13-15.First, it must be understood that in the Old Testament there were appearances of the Lord called (Theophany-Gen. 16:10-13; 21:14-20 or Christophany (John 1:1-18). In the New Testament, John said, “No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He has manifested Him. The Angel of the Lord in these passages was Christ appearing to Hagar or Abraham or to Joshua. He is the Angel of His presence. A) Exo.23:20-25; B) Exo. 33:21-23; C) Exo. 32:34. God was present with the children of Israel, but this is the first experience of Joshua as leader.

Joshua had earlier received promises of the presence of God but now the Lord appeared in physical form in an open vision dressed like a warrior. Joshua saw into the spirit world to get acquainted with the commander of the army of God. The war was really not with the Canaanites but with principalities, powers, and wicked spirits in the heavenlies which they yielded to and worshipped.

We Must Believe God’s Word that He is with us and also be on the Lookout for the Lord to Come to the Church: – Matt 18:20; Ps. 46:7, 11; Isa 6:8-10; 41:10 Mark 16:20; John 14:18-23.

Divine presence is a reality in the New Testament. And we must desire that. In a world filled with pandemics we cannot face these behemoths with grammar. We must change our mindset. We must learn to visit the spirit realm and allow His angels to help us.

• The Lord Commands the Army (spiritual and physical)-Josh 5:14; I Sam. 3: 9, 10; Isa. 6: 8; Acts 9:6; Exo. 4:10,13; Ps. 1110:1; Matt 22:44; Luke 1:43; 20:42; John 20: 38; Phil 3:8.

When Jacob left his father-in-law Laban, we read in Gen. 32:1-2.  Joshua is going to need and receive the divine help of the Lord to accomplish his mission.  How awesome is the Lord’s host?  We read in the Bible of the invasion of Judah by the Assyrians who at that time were a major power in the world. The prophet Isaiah sent a message to King Hezekiah not to worry, that they would not shoot an arrow into the city. One angel went to battle in the night and left 185,000 dead soldiers. Where He commands, we must go.

We Bow in Worship and Total humbleness of Mind-Josh 5:15-16; Gen 17:3, 17; Rev. 19:10, 22: 8-9; We have to spend time daily to worship in his presence.

How we each need this response—the response of worship and submission. Joshua quickly got the picture. Our pride must not push away the hand of the Lord. We must reflect about the sober aspects of the pandemic. 900, 500, 700 dying daily in some countries. We must evaluate what is going on. The doctors tell you:

1. Wash your hands-meaning? James 4:8; 1 Chron. 1-8; Isa 1:16-31;
2. Purify your hearts – Jam 1:8; 1 Jn 3:3
3. Get on fire for God—2 Tim 2:21. If pay the price of separation from contamination we shall be a vessel of honour.
4. Young people must realize there is no App to solve every problem that will appear in the near future. God will the use the Joshuas who are older and the young people that coming up. A combination of both.
5. We know that the world suspects us (the church) So we must arise from such conditions. We have to repent before God to the bone!