What team is God on?
I was reading this morning in Joshua and came across the scenario in ch. 5:13-15 where Joshua has a run-in with a man with a drawn sword. When Joshua doesn’t recognize him, he asks, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” The man replied, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” In other words, “I’m not on your side and I’m not on their side. I’m on God’s side.”
Many scholars believe that this is a theophany, an appearance of God in human form. It is interesting to note in this passage that God doesn’t take any sides. He is on his own side. He is there to accomplish his purposes for his own glory and no one else’s.
I think many times we assume that God is on our team. Now to be sure, there is a sense in which God is on our side. Paul wrote so eloquently in Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us?” I love that promise! However that promise in context applies to the assurance of our salvation.
I think we make a subtle mistake when we assume that God must defend our personal agendas. This can take many forms such as one Christian denomination claiming that they have a corner on all truth and that God is on their team and not with any other denomination. Or that God is against everyone who does not agree with our particular view on non-essential points of doctrine.
So what team is God on? … His own. The question is not whether God is on our team, but whether or not we are on his. God didn’t give victory to Israel at Jericho because he was on their side. He gave them victory because they were on His side. In fact they were defeated at the battle of Ai in ch. 7 because they assumed God was on their side even though there was sin in their camp. God is seeking people who will join his team for his glory and the advancement of his kingdom. What a privilege to be invited onto the team!
Like Clay
Our approach to Scripture makes all the difference.
It’s possible to read it every day, never miss a Sunday sermon, and discuss it in small groups… and not grow spiritually, at all. It all depends on our approach.
A major part of being a real disciple of Jesus is being teachable. In our approach to Scripture we need to come humbly and ready to be formed. Following Jesus means submitting to him not only as Savior, but as Teacher. A true disciple submits to the formation of the teacher like soft clay in the hands of a potter.
When we approach Scripture (whether through private reading, sermons, or discussion groups) the best way is to spiritually put ourselves on the potter’s wheel. A humble, teachable attitude keeps us soft. This means we are ready to obey, repent, rejoice, and respond to what we find in God’s word. The best way to approach Scripture is like clay.
