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.” – Joshua 5:13-14
Yesterday North Korea claimed that they tested a nuclear weapon, and now they threaten to fire a nuclear tipped missile. What if they have tested and what if they do launch a nuclear tipped missile? Does this mean God is against us? We have the same question that Joshua had, "Are you for us or for our adversaries?"
A couple weeks ago was St. Michael and all Angel’s day, that is the day where we remember the work of angels. St. Michael, who is Christ, is the one whom Joshua saw. The commander of the army of YHWH. The word here for army is in Hebrew Tsaba, or as we know it Sabaoth. He is the one who fought against Satan, and drove him from heaven.
"Are you for us….." God all too politely answers, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have come." A simple question, but, as it seems, not too simple an answer. Oh, but it is dear Christian. Our Father in heaven is so gracious that he is for both us and our adversaries. For as we were yet enemies of God, Christ died for us. He gives grace to both sides, Christ death is for all.
We may have troubles, and wars in this life, but we "shall only look with our eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked." For "he shall command His angels concerning you. To guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands lest you strike your foot against a stone." They can only kill the body, but cannot kill the soul, for that has been killed already in the waters of Holy Baptism, and by the same raised up. So we too shall be raised up even if North Korea has a nuke, or fires, or tests, or anything.
What is the world to me with all its vaunted pleasure
When Thou, and Thou alon, Lord Jesus, art my Treasure!
Thou only, dearest Lord, My soul’s Delight shalt be;
Thou art my Peace, my Rest – What is the world to me!
What is the world to me! My Jesus is my Treasure,
My Life, my Health, my Wealth, My Friend, my Love, my Pleasure,
My Joy, my Crown, my All, My Bliss eternally.
Once more, then, I declare: What is the world to me!
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