Joshua 5:13-14

“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood 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?” So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?””

Backyard football is so much fun- until the moment it turns into the most important game in the history of the world. Competition levels get high, and everyone becomes an expert on the rules of the game. At least to the point that benefits their team. In the heart of these battles words are exchanged- “my house my rules” “My ball my rules.” In the end everyone is just fighting to make sure they can control the variables that give their side the advantage.

We are no different in the game of life. There are seasons when things are going our way. We feel blessed and highly favored. Our family is good, our health is good, life is good. During these moments if we are not careful, we forget who’s side is who. God is good because He is seemingly on our side. But then the season changes. Life gets difficult. Our health is in question, our marriage is stretched, or we haven’t been able to find the right person to marry. In these moments we begin to question whether or not God is on our side. Is that the right question to begin with anyway?

Maybe the victory comes in knowing whose side is who. Joshua takes over as the leader of the nation of Israel. They cross the Jordan River from the wilderness. They renew the covenant and are on the brink of entering into the land and season God promised them. Except there is an enemy, actually many enemies, standing in their way. Joshua is confronted by a man with his sword drawn. Joshua’s response seems normal. Are you for us or for our enemy? Basically whose side are you on buddy?! The man’s response is simple…neither. As a commander of God’s army, he threw the proverbial ball back into Joshua’s hand. A gentle reminder of whose side is who.

The question for our victory isn’t “Is God on our side?” But instead, the question should be “Are we on God’s side?” Understanding whose side is who is important in weathering the difficult times and enjoying the good times. In the end if we are on God’s side, we will see the victory.