A Call to Serve God’s Way
“Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” (Joshua 5:15)
The story of Joshua meeting the Commander of the Lord’s Army in Joshua 5:13-15 has always hits squarely on me. It’s not just a Bible story—it’s a gut-check about what it means to follow God with humility and obedience. As a person trying to figure out life, this moment speaks to me about letting go of my own plans and asking God how I can serve Him.
Joshua’s leading the Israelites toward the Promised Land, gearing up to face Jericho. He spots a guy standing there, sword drawn, looking ready for battle. Naturally, Joshua’s first question is, “are you with us or against us?” (Joshua 5:13). I get it—when you’re in a high-stakes moment, you want to know who’s on your team. But the Commander’s answer flips everything: “Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come” (Joshua 5:14). That’s not what Joshua expected, and it’s not what I’d expect either. It’s God’s saying, “This isn’t about your sides—it’s about my purpose.”
Joshua’s question shows how we often think: if God’s for me, He’s got to be against my enemies, right? But the Commander’s response shuts that down. God doesn’t pick teams the way we do—His plan is bigger. That hits home for me. How many times have I prayed, “God, be on my side,” when I should’ve been asking, “God, am I on Your side?” The Commander’s words remind me that God’s not here to back my agenda—He’s got His own, and it’s holy.
What Joshua does next is what makes this story powerful. He doesn’t argue or demand a battle plan. He drops to the ground, face down, and asks, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” (Joshua 5:14). That’s not just respect—it’s total surrender. Joshua gets that he’s standing on holy ground, in the presence of something bigger than himself. When the Commander tells him to take off his sandals, he does it, no questions asked (Joshua 5:15). That’s the kind of humility I want to have—ready to listen, ready to obey, even when I don’t have all the answers.
Joshua’s question— “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”—is the heart of this story. He’s not asking for a win or a guarantee; he’s asking how he can serve God’s plan. That’s a challenge for me. I’m always tempted to tell God what I want Him to do—fix my problems, make my life easier. But Joshua shows me a better way: stop trying to steer and start asking, “How can I serve You?” That’s when I’m truly lined up with God’s will.
Life’s full of moments where I feel lost or stressed, wondering if God’s got my back. Joshua’s story flips that question. Instead of asking, “Is God with me?” I need to ask, “Am I with God?” That shift changes everything. It’s not about God fitting into my plans—it’s about me fitting into His. When I approach Him with a servant’s heart, ready to listen and obey, I’m standing on holy ground, just like Joshua.
This story challenges me to check myself. Am I chasing my own goals, or am I seeking God’s purpose? Am I humble enough to listen when He speaks? Joshua’s encounter with the Commander is a reminder to let go of my pride, take off my “sandals,” and commit to serving God with everything I’ve got.
So, what about you? How do you make sure you’re serving God’s plan instead of your own? Let’s keep asking the right question: “How can I serve?” That’s where we find the heart of faith.