Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Worry”
Our Bible verse for today: “When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “I have now come as commander of the Lord’s army.” Joshua 5:13-14 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “God is on His own side.”
The nation of Israel was about to begin the conquest of the Promised Land. As they approached the city of Jericho, Joshua encountered a supernatural being blocking his path. It was the Lord Jesus Christ in pre-incarnate form. He had come as the Commander of the Armies of the Lord to carry out the will of God.
Joshua questioned Him to determine if He was on the side of Israel or of their enemies. Jesus’ answer is interesting and revealing. He essentially said “I’m not on your side or on theirs. I’m on my own side.” He meant that He wasn’t there to carry out any human agenda. His goal was not to fulfill the kingdom aspirations of the Jews. He was there for the purposes of furthering God’s plan for the human race.
Here in the USA we’re now beginning a new election cycle. Even though the Presidential election is more than a year and a half away, the fighting has already started. The attacks are coming fast and furious, the mud is slinging, and the fastballs are high and inside.
And of course, everyone is convinced that God is on their side. But surely God is a Republican, right? Republicans advocate for conservative, traditional values and so surely God is on their side. But wait, Democrats are for social justice and they claim the virtues of kindness and compassion. Those are Biblical values that God Himself demonstrates and calls for. So God must be a Democrat, right?
No. God is neither a Republican nor Democrat. God is God. God is on His own side. God has a Kingdom agenda He is in the process of working out and it transcends the political agendas of all politicians and their political parties.
During the Civil War President Lincoln was once asked if he thought God was on the side of the Union. Lincoln responded, “I’m not so concerned with whether or not God is on our side as I am with us being on His side.”
As we launch into yet another cycle of politics and elections in our country, I want to encourage all of us to worry less about which political party we’re aligned with, and worry a good deal more about making sure we’re on God’s side and that we’re aligned with His will. Let’s be Christians first and Republicans or Democrats second. Let’s be sure it is God’s agenda which is being promoted rather than that of some politician or political party. Keep your loyalties in proper order and if you’re going to worry about outcomes, be sure your first concern is for God’s will to be done and for His kingdom agenda to be fulfilled.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 