Choose to be on God’s side in life
Losing is never easy. The higher the stakes, the harder the defeat.
What 12th Man could forget Super Bowl XLIX? The Seahawks were that close to repeating as champions. But would we rather have our team fall short at the one-yard line or miss the playoffs altogether?
We distance ourselves from disappointment. When things are going our way, “We have the best corners in the league!” When losing, “They just don’t have an O-line this year.” This is not restricted to sports. How often has “That’s my boy!” become “Take care of your son!”?
What differentiates the bandwagon from the loyalists? What keeps a parent praying while a child rebels? Are we certain that we’re even on the right side of the ball?
No one wants to fight for a losing cause, but how much worse to fight for a cause that needs to lose. The Bible reads, “When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, ‘Are you friend or foe?’ ”
“Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.”
At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?”
The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told. (Joshua 5:13-15, NLT).
If anyone could assume he was on the right side it was this biblical man of God! Joshua was entrusted with God’s chosen people. They were promised land, law, and leadership. But the messenger was clear — God receives all praise. His name will be exalted and his mission will be accomplished.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “My concern is not whether God is on our side, but whether we are on his side.”
So will we ever know that we are on the right side — on his side? Let’s begin by knowing him, being known by him, and making him known to others.
Jesus once told his followers, “If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. … All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” (John 14:7, 23, NLT).
Life is far more than our team hoisting a trophy or our children making us proud.
The times are indeed troubling. Deflated footballs and botched end-zone calls pale in comparison to the Syrian refugee crisis or the recent attacks in Paris. It’s natural to be fearful. But when afraid, we tend to take matters into our own hands.
Consider what it would look like for you to submit to God’s leadership. To respond as Joshua did — with surrender and worship. How might the Father be revealed, through his Son, and by the power of the Spirit? That God might be praised.
Justin Farley is a church planter and lead pastor at Blue Bridge Church located in Carmike Cinemas in Kennewick. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 333 W. Canal Drive, Kennewick, WA 99336. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.
This story was originally published January 16, 2016 at 4:52 AM with the headline "Choose to be on God’s side in life."