Holy Ground

Joshua 5:15 The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

When we were in New York City a few years ago we stood at the site of the twin towers demise. To think that in just a few seconds so many lives were taken, both those on the planes and those at the site. It really is amazing that many more people weren’t killed. And the names of those who died and their connection to the site, either occupant of the building or rescue worker, all there names are inscribed in stone for all to remember.

It is oddly quiet around that site. In the middle of such a busy city a place of relative calm.

I experienced the same thing while standing in the cemeteries of those killed in wars across the world. There is a strange silence and stillness, both physical and oddly spiritual. The sacrifice of so many. And it didn’t solve humanity’s problem!

History often stands a crossroads with war being the bridge. Joshua and the people of Israel are at just such a crossroad. They are about to take their first city in the Promised Land. But there is a meeting that happens right before the battle commences.

That meeting involves Joshua and a heavenly being in the position of Commander of the Army of the LORD. He is the Joint Chief of Staff of the US Army. He is over all the LORD’s forces on that day. And he is there right in Joshua’s path.

Joshua want to know whose side this person in on in the upcoming battle. I bet he is hoping it is his. But this being changes the perspective of Joshua. This isn’t a human battle at all. This is a battle that the LORD himself will fight and win. Joshua wasn’t that answer.

But what is even more surprising is that this ground that will become this heavenly battleground is called “holy ground.” How could a battleground be “holy?” Some battles are so important that the commander of heaven is involved.

So what makes the ground, the place where Joshua is standing, holy? It is the presence of the LORD’s representative. It marks a transition point, just like the burning bush that Moses turned aside to see. The LORD’s presence makes a place holy.

And we are the LORD’s representatives. Our lives are to reflect his, holy in everything that we do and say. We are his image-bearers. When people look at us, they should be seeing him.

How true is that of you? Me either! But that is what I want more than anything else in the world. I want to be transformed, and I know I am being transformed. I just wish I would get out of the way of his progress in me. I am the biggest obstacle to the LORD doing his work in me.