Is God on Our Side or Their Side? posted by jwatson on Mar 01, 2016

In the upcoming elections, is God on the side of the Democrats or the Republicans? In the war on terror, is God on the side of the United States or the terrorists? In that messy divorce, is God on the wife’s side or on the husband’s side? When Superbowl 51 rolls around in 2017, will God be on the side of the AFC champions or the NFC champions?

It is very possible that I have already lost a few people, because even asking at least one of the above questions makes them angry.

This question – “Whose side is God on? – has been around for ages. It has caused countless arguments and disputes. I am not so presumptuous as to even attempt to answer for God. To do so would be the height of arrogance. Plus, I do not need to even make that attempt.

God has clearly given us His answer. That is what the Bible is all about. It is God giving us His answers to the issues, concerns, dilemmas and problems of life. No need to speculate or guess.

The people of Israel have just crossed over the Jordan (see Joshua 5). There they kept the Passover and ate their final meal of manna. From here on out they could eat the fruit of the land of Canaan. They were ready to take on the enemy and fight the battles that the Lord had prepared them for through the instruction Moses had given them. The next event to take place was to conquer the city of Jericho.

There Joshua stood, with Jericho and its impressive walls within sight. He lifts up his eyes to see a man standing before him with his sword drawn. Uncertain of the warrior’s identity, Joshua asked, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries.” As stated, Joshua has given this man two choices for his response.

However, the man chooses a third option, and in doing so informs Joshua of his identity: “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord.” The commander of the army of the Lord, who is the Lord’s representative operating under the Lord’s authority, is not for Israel or for Isarel’s adversaries. The commander of the Lord’s army is for the Lord.

It is not the Lord who chooses sides. You and I are the ones who need to choose.
Whose side is the Lord on? The answer is always the same. The Lord is on His side! Are you and I on the Lord’s side? Are you and I obeying the Lord? Are you and I following the Lord? Now those are probing questions!