In the military, the point man is the soldier who is first into battle. It’s the most dangerous position because he is the first one that the enemy will see. When Joshua marched against Jericho, they sent the arc and the priest in first. Why not the mightiest and strongest fighters in the army? I believe it’s because when God is my point man, my enemies don’t stand a chance. The walls of Jericho crumbled with one loud war cry and the city was quickly taken. What allowed God to be their point man? They were careful to do everything He said. I can imagine, after 6 days of marching around the city, to wonder if God was really going to do something. How tempting it must have been to say “I don’t believe God is going to take this city.” Fortunately, everyone was silent until it was time to shout.
On the other hand, Achan rebels against God’s command to give everything in the city of Jericho as a tithe to him. Achan steals gold, silver, and clothes, and hides them under his tent. Consequently, when Joshua went to take the tiny town of Ai, they failed miserably. God wasn’t enlisted as the point man due to one man’s sin. Once Achan was stoned, God was able to give his people success in accomplishing his purpose.
What is God’s purpose? Yesterday’s reading powerfully demonstrates what is most important to God – reaching the lost. Jesus gives three parables about the joy of finding what was lost: The sheep, coin, and son. There is no doubt that He wants to reach those who have never experienced his love, peace, healing . . .
My prayer today is that I can completely surrender my life to him, submit, and enlist him as my point man to fight my battles so I can accomplish the purpose he has for my life.
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