Joshua 5:13-15 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold… I. THE RELATION HERE INDICATED BETWEEN CHRIST AND HIS PEOPLE. Ruler, Defender, and Leader of the Church on earth. 1. This He is by virtue of the sufferings and conquests of Calvary. 2. By the free choice of His people. II. THE CHARACTER AND OFFICE IN WHICH JESUS HERE MANIFESTS HIMSELF. Warrior with drawn sword (Revelation 1:16). III. THE POSITION AND DUTY DEVOLVING UPON CHRISTIANS IN CONSEQUENCE OF THIS RELATION TO CHRIST, The true ideal of the Christian is not that of the shepherd with crook and pipe on sunny hillside; or even that of the pilgrim slowly toiling on, and leaning on his stall'; but rather that of the soldier, with shield and helmet, fighting his way against doubts that agitate his mind, against fears that even disturb the serenity of hope, against fiery passions that threaten to overmaster his patience, against the flesh in all its varied forms of opposition to the Spirit, against the world and its allurements, against invisible enemies, &c. Over and above these single-handed conflicts with our foes, we are called upon as soldiers of the Cross to march forward with the host against envy, and wickedness, and sin; to fight for the overthrow of Satan's stronghold, at home and abroad. IV. CHRIST'S RELATION TO THE CHURCH INVOLVES THE ASSURANCE OF ALL NEEDED GRACE AND POWER FOR THE WARFARE. We have His word to direct us, His Spirit to give strength and guidance, His love to inspire us with zeal, His promise to assure us that the conflict shall end in victory. (A London Clergyman.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? |
    |