In Chapter five of Joshua, we read how the people of Israel renewed their covenant and remembered their fathers dying in the desert after leaving Egypt. The land upon which they now stood was the Promised Land that God said would be theirs for the taking. There was only one problem; now they had to take it or God's promise would not be fulfilled to them.

Joshua led the people faithfully after Moses stayed behind at Kadesh Barnea. He had seen God lead the people miraculously across the Jordan River and now was looking for God to give them victory over a town called Jericho.

It's interesting that after Joshua declared himself ready to do what God expected, that an Angel would stood between him and the task. Joshua bowed before the Angel when he realized who he was and that He was on God's side.

Face down and in reverence before the Messenger of God, Joshua asked what God expected and the answer was simple. To paraphrase the Angel, "Take off your sandals for this is holy ground, listen and be obedient." Hundreds of years later, the shepherds would hear a simple proclamation in the fields where they tended their flock. "Don't be afraid; Immanuel is born." They too recognized the significance of the place where they heard the message. They bowed, worshiped, listened and obeyed.

Peter said that every one of us calling ourselves a Christian will be holy. In other words, because Jesus is holy, we are to also be holy. He is not speaking of where our feet are standing as much as where we are stand spiritually. We are made holy because Jesus' blood and righteousness makes us holy. That being the case, we should take off our spiritual sandals, express reverence and ask God what He desires of us.

Have you asked God what He desires of you today? Today is a good day to discover your Jericho. You can do that by finding a place where you can meet with God and ask Him.

1. Pray Through the Word - 365 devotionals on the subject of prayer by James R. Green (Josh 5; Lu 2, 1Pe 1:13-25)
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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