Are You For Us Or For Our Enemies?

“Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho…and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn…and Joshua…said to him, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’ He said, “No; rather I have come now as captain of the army of the LORD.”  Joshua 5:13-14

Joshua stood at the brink of his first major battle to take the land of their inheritance. The city of Jericho was in lockdown. An angel (or Jesus himself) appeared to him.  In awe, he asked this warrior which side he was fighting for. The angel did not buy into Joshua’s black and white mindset. He was sent from God and was there to fulfil God’s agenda alone. We often try to get God on our side, but God is fulfilling His purposes, not ours. We are to join heaven’s agenda not heaven join ours. 

We are bombarded today with the opinions and biases of the media, others around us and are influenced by the thoughts and expectations of the world. It is hard to block the noise, find time to meditate on the Word of God and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying. I am sure David was a busy man also but He drew wisdom from dwelling on the Word of God.

“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.” Ps 119:97-100 NIV

Wisdom and clarity (Ps 119:99-100) come from knowing and following the instructions of God. We see God’s big plans for the nations, Israel and His people especially as we read the prophetic books of the Bible. 

God does not take sides according to our plans, worldly rulers or rebellious activists. His angels and servants obey His voice. He sends forth His angelic army as we align with His purposes and obey. 

As the world turns against Israel and the voices of condemnation become louder, we have to stand against the tide of world opinion and contend for the covenants of God to be fulfilled. God has promised in His Word that He will:

1. Bring His children back to His land (Is 43:5-7). We pray for aliya.
2. Restore the land to prosperity. Pray for Israel’s protection, welfare, economy and for the desert to blossom (Is 35:1-2)
3. Forgive their sin. Pray for repentance (Zech 13:1).
4. Give the people a new heart and put a new spirit within them (Ezek 36:26-28). Pray for revival.
5. Open their eyes to see the One they have pierced (Zech 12:10-11). Pray for revelation of who the Messiah is.

The world hates Israel because it hates God (Jn 3:19). Every evil and false religion wants a slice of Jerusalem to stop the return of Jesus to take up His throne on Mt Zion (Zech 14:4-9). Satan knows his time is short. The kingdoms of darkness and light are clashing, but God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. 

It is time to align with His plans in word and deed. This involves not only praying but also acting to financially support and physically stand with God’s plans for the restored nation of Israel and the Jewish witness in the world. Satan would have the Jews wiped out so they cannot welcome the Lord back (Matt 23:37-39). God’s armies will fight for us and Israel when we align with His will and trust in Him (Is 55:8-9).

This article and previous ones are adapted from Jill’s book ‘The Many Facets of Prayer’ available from the website: https://giftsfortheking.orgor by emailing giftsfortheking@gmail.com