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. OUR LEADER INSPIRES CONFIDENCE. He has never been defeated. In one of the Napoleonic battles on the Peninsula a corps of British troops were sorely pressed and began to waver. Just then the Duke of Wellington rode in among them. A veteran soldier cried out, "Here comes the Duke, God bless him! the sight of him is worth a whole brigade." So to the equipped warrior, under the ensign of the Cross, a sight of Jesus, our Leader, is a new inspiration. II. JESUS IS ABLE TO ASSURE THE VICTORY TO EVERY REDEEMED SOUL WHO IS LOYAL TO HIM. What a bugle-blast that is which sounded from the lips of the heroic apostle (Romans 8:37). To be a conqueror is to vanquish our enemies. But to "more than conquer" is to reap a positive, spiritual good from the battle itself. If life had no encounters we would acquire no spiritual sinews. III. EACH ONE OF US HAS A PERSONAL CONFLICT TO WAGE. No other human being can fight it for us. Some have to contend with a powerful passion, some with a besetting sin, some with a temptation from without; others with infernal doubts and abominable suggestions by the adversary. IV. JESUS MET AND OVERCAME THE DEVIL. He is able to "destroy his works." 1. Jesus gives us the only armour which can protect us, and with it He gives the strength to wield the weapons. 2. Jesus makes intercession for us when the battle waxes hot. 3. These conflicts bring us into closer, sweeter sympathy with Jesus. 4. He flies to the relief of every redeemed follower who is ready to perish. (T. L. Cuyler, D. D.) 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? |
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