NEITHER
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have come now.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “what message does my Lord have for his servant?” (Josh.5:13-14, NIV)
“God is not neutral” is a phrase we’ve heard numerous times. Yet, the words this angel spoke to Joshua before the Israelites defeated Jericho seem to say otherwise. How could that be?
Let’s look at the context. The angel identifies Himself as Commander of the army of the Lord. When Joshua fell and worshiped him, the angel didn’t instruct him to get up. Several times in Revelation, an angel told John to stand to his feet and only worship the Lord. Not this angel. Furthermore, he tells Joshua to take off his sandals. This is holy ground. This is no ordinary angel!
Wouldn’t it be just like the Lord to appear before the biggest battle of Joshua’s life?
Let’s consider the angel’s word. Neither. This angel came dressed as a warrior, carrying a sword for a private conversation with Joshua, to identify with him. Warrior to warrior. Though that time will come, this Commander's mission wasn't to pass judgment on the enemy. He came to respond to Joshua's need. Relax, Joshua! I got this.
Let’s meet Joshua. Moses is gone, the mantel of leading millions of people weighs heavy on him, and the sight of the massive Jericho wall buckles his knees. He sees a stranger before him, a man with a sword, and, in his startled state dares to ask whose side he’s on, then falls to the ground in all-out reverence and awe.
When pressed on every side, what’s my posture before the Lord? Yours? Do we remember that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31)
Let’s search God's neutrality. Perhaps neither comes from God's heart of grace and love for all His children. Is it possible here again we see the Father reaching out, as with Lot and his family? If there be one...
Maybe this Old Testament event blazes through the ages to the New Testament moment when Jesus speaks the word neither to the woman caught in adultery ... when He assures that we are neither slave nor free but one in Him.
Let's investigate our hearts. Jesus didn't come to judge the world but to herald the Good News, all can be saved through His sacrifice. So, neither should we judge but instead share the love of Christ.
As we celebrate Passover and Palm Sunday, let's raise our Hosanna to the King of Kings, our Savior and Deliverer -- Jesus Christ!