Today’s devotion comes from Joshua 5:10-15.
“While the sons of Israel camped at Gilgal they observed the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month on the desert plains of Jericho. On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. The manna ceased on the day after they had eaten some of the produce of the land, so that the sons of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan during that year.
Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” He said, “No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?” The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.” Joshua 5:10-15.
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It is Christmas day. Today’s Scripture does not present Scripture that one would normally choose for a Christmas message. But, maybe it is just perfect for a Christmas message.
Too often, we approach the LORD treating Him as if He was Santa Claus. In sharp contrast, Joshua did not presume that the LORD was at his beck-and-call like we do too often particularly at Christmas time. Joshua humbly asked: “Are you for us or for our adversaries?”
“… GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 1 Peter 5:5.
Rather than being proud with hands stuck out waiting for a gift, Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?”
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10.
When we go to church during the Christmas season, do we rush into the sanctuary with our own agenda foremost in mind? Or, do we consider the command of the captain of the LORD’S host to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.”
Do we approach the LORD with humility and reverence?
“10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:10-12.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 