Holy Ground #2

May 12, 2021 (Wednesday B)

 

We live in a very contentious world. The denomination I am in is considering several changes in policy and statement of faith. I have tracked some of the discussion, it hurts. I’m watching supposedly godly and holy people label and accuse each other, viciously.

 

It is one thing to have an opinion, even contrary to the popular opinion. It is another to be mean spirited about it. It hurts. It puzzles me. However, I am not surprised. This is human nature. When there are options, people take sides. Religion is the easiest way to carry around a big bully stick.

 

If there are possibilities, people will “take sides.” One day when scouting Jericho, Joshua learned a brutal lesson about “sides.” Let’s look at the question. “When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up. He caught sight of a man standing in front of him with his sword drawn. Joshua went up and said to him, “Are you on our side or that of our enemies?” [Joshua 5:13 CEB]

 

There is an interesting mix of ideas. Joshua is curious but it takes bravery to approach an unknown person who has their sword drawn. Joshua also has a “we is us and they is them” mentality. We need to give Joshua a break, this is an invasion and the opening of a war.

 

Joshua has a flaw in his reasoning. He assumes there is his side and other side (or sides). The other side is labeled as “enemies.” ANY and EVERY time we use a label, we are creating an adversarial situation. In ANY and EVERY adversarial we tend ASSUME we are correct and the other side (or sides) is wrong.

 

Brothers and sisters in Jesus, I submit to you this is pride. Being humble in our theology requires us to honestly consider the idea that we are the ones who are “less right.” (joke) Without judgement, I would suggest you begin with the question: What does Scripture say? The next question is equally important. According to scripture is this plausible? If so, no hard line stand is acceptable.

 

What did Joshua learn? I am so glad you asked! Brace yourself, “He said, “Neither! I’m the commander of the Lord’s heavenly force. Now I have arrived!” [Joshua 5:14a CEB] Joshua learns two lessons. First, God was not on “his side.” Yikes! Considering they were on the brink of war, this a brutal revelation. I think Joshua was counting on God being on his side.

 

Second, if God is not on Joshua’s side, does that make God an “enemy?” Well, that depends on Joshua’s response. You see God is not interested in our “sides.” Basically what happened was, Jesus showed up and claimed ownership of the conflict.

 

Next time you create sides with enemies, consider the fact that you are NOT on Jesus’ side because Jesus does not take sides. The only real question is, do we humble ourselves knowing we just might be coming up against God…

 

Bottom line: Jesus is here to take control. Choose your response carefully.