Reject political idolatry

 By Shane Vander Hart

My church is currently doing a Bible study in the Book of Joshua. One of my favorite passages is in Joshua 5, as the new leader of the Israelites surveys the city of Jericho. Jericho is a walled city that the fledging, nomadic nation must overcome to start to take possession of the land that God promised He would give them over 40 years ago.

"When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us, or for our adversaries?" (Joshua 5:13, ESV).

The "man" gives a loaded response.

"And he said, 'No, but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come," (Joshua 5:14, ESV).

He was not for the Israelites or the people of Jericho. He is the commander of the army of the LORD, and he's here now.

Read more...

See also:

• Civil Duties (Gentle Reformation)