Call On Your Commander

… bless the Lord, you armies of His angels who serve Him constantly.”

Psalm 103:21

Five of my ancestors fought and died in the Civil War. My father fought in WWII, and my great-great grandfather fought in the very short Spanish American War. Even though I have never fought in a war, I have fought many personal skirmishes.

Viewing the Israelites’ challenge of scaling the 45-foot tall and seven feet thick walls of Jericho as symbolic of personal challenges builds my confidence. Any problem that appears insurmountable, impenetrable and beyond my ability to conquer does not mean it is insurmountable to God.   

As Joshua, the Israelites’ leader, stood in a field staring at those massive walls, Jesus paid him a visit. The pre-incarnate Christ spoke to Joshua as the Commander of the armies of heaven. Three armies, rather than two armies, gathered that day: Canaanites, Israelites, and an Army of Angels, the Heavenly Host.

The psalmist in Psalm 103:20-21 also writes of an army of angels: “Bless the Lord the mighty angels of His who carry out His orders, listening for each of His commands. Yes, bless the Lord, you armies of His angels who serve Him constantly.”

Jesus comes to help with my struggles just as He came to Joshua. Because He is with me, I will never face a battle alone. He is still the Commander of the hosts and has given me His promise, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5b).

Father, thank You for the reminder that Your Son still commands the armies of heaven. Though I have never seen an angel, remembering You created them to serve You comforts me. In the name of Your Son, their Commander, I pray, amen.  

 Linda Lesniewski