Joshua 5: Consecrate Your Life To God

Joshua 5 shows God’s people consecrate by walking in the Spirit, remembering redemption in communion, feeding on Christ, and bowing to Him.

Introduction

Joshua 5 stands as a turning point in Israel’s journey. After crossing the Jordan by God’s power (Joshua 4:23–24), the nation paused before entering Jericho. They faced three acts of preparation that remind you that God’s people must be consecrated before they conquer. First, God commanded the circumcision of the new generation, because the wilderness generation had died without obeying this covenant sign (Joshua 5:2–7). This act removed what God called “the reproach of Egypt” (Joshua 5:9), a reminder that Egypt’s bondage no longer defined them. Second, they celebrated the Passover at Gilgal (Joshua 5:10). Just as their fathers had kept it on the eve of leaving Egypt, so now this new generation marked their entrance into the land with remembrance of God’s deliverance. Third, the manna ceased, and the people ate the fruit of Canaan (Joshua 5:11–12). God shifted them from wilderness dependence to covenant enjoyment. Finally, Joshua encountered the Commander of the Lord’s army, who declared holy ground and demanded Joshua’s worship (Joshua 5:13–15). These moments show you that victory begins with consecration to God, not with military strength.

Proposition

You should Consecrate Yourself To God

By Walking In The Spirit (Joshua 5:1–9)

The nations of Canaan trembled when they heard how God dried up the Jordan (Joshua 5:1), but God directed His people not to attack yet. Instead, He required circumcision of all the uncircumcised males (Joshua 5:2–3). The word “reproach” (cherpah) in verse 9 means disgrace or shame, often tied to slavery or defeat. God rolled away that disgrace at Gilgal, marking a new beginning. This points you to the greater reality Paul described, that true circumcision is of the heart, accomplished by the Spirit (Romans 2:29). To walk in the Spirit means to set aside the desires of the flesh and yield to God’s inward work (Galatians 5:16). Just as Israel bore a visible sign of identity, so water baptism testifies that you belong to Christ, buried with Him in death and raised with Him in new life (Romans 6:4). The reproof is clear: you cannot cling to the old fleshly life and expect to conquer. God calls you to Spirit-empowered obedience that flows from your union with Christ.

By Remembering God’s Saving Deliverance (Joshua 5:10)

Israel kept the Passover on the plains of Jericho (Joshua 5:10). This feast recalled how God struck Egypt but spared His people through the blood of the lamb. The Hebrew word “Passover” (pesach) speaks of God passing over in mercy. By observing it, they remembered that their very existence in the land came by God’s redemption. For you, this points directly to Christ, your Passover lamb who was sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7). God calls you not only to remember but also to proclaim His redemption through the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23–26). Communion becomes for you what Passover was for Israel—a covenant meal reminding you that your salvation rests in the shed blood of Christ. The instruction is to keep your eyes on His atoning work, to guard your heart with gratitude, and to walk humbly in the reality that you stand redeemed because of Him.

By Feeding On Christ (Joshua 5:11–12)

The day after the Passover, Israel ate the produce of the land—unleavened cakes and roasted grain (Joshua 5:11). The next day, the manna ceased, because God’s purpose for it was complete (Joshua 5:12). Jesus explained this mystery when He said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger” (John 6:35). The manna pointed forward to Him. To feed on Christ means to depend on Him daily as the source of life, satisfaction, and strength. The doctrine here is that God’s provision changes, but His Son remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. He sustained Israel with manna in the wilderness, and now He calls you to feast on Christ through faith. The reproof is against hearts that grumble when God shifts His provision. The instruction is to receive with joy what He provides, and to draw your strength from Christ Himself, who gives you eternal sustenance.

By Bowing To Christ (Joshua 5:13–15)

As Joshua looked toward Jericho, he saw a man with a drawn sword (Joshua 5:13). This figure identified Himself as the Commander of the Lord’s army (Joshua 5:14). The word “commander” (sar) means prince or chief, one who rules with authority. Joshua fell on his face and worshiped, acknowledging he stood on holy ground (Joshua 5:14–15). This was no mere angel, for holy ground belongs to God alone. This points to Christ, the Captain of salvation (Hebrews 2:10), who commands heaven’s hosts and leads His people into victory. The instruction is clear: before you face Jericho, you must bow to Him. You cannot fight God’s battles in your own strength. You must yield your plans and your future to Christ, the true Commander. The reproof is against presumption, as though God existed to back your plans. Instead, He calls you to surrender to His authority, to acknowledge His holiness, and to worship Him as Lord.

Invitation

Joshua 5 shows that God’s people cannot conquer unless they first consecrate. God demanded covenant obedience, remembrance of redemption, trust in His provision, and submission to His holy authority. Without these, Israel could not face Jericho. For you, the warning is plain: do not attempt to fight sin in your own strength. Do not assume God’s presence while you ignore His commands. He calls you to yield every part of your heart to Him. For believers, this passage calls you to consecration. Walk in the Spirit, remember Christ in communion, feed on Him daily, and bow before Him in worship. When you do, you will find His strength sufficient to bring down the walls that stand before you.

But if you remain outside of Christ, you stand in grave danger. Without Him, your shame remains, your sin defines you, and your strength will fail. God has provided one way of salvation. Christ died for your sins, bearing the judgment you deserved. His death was a substitutionary atonement, paying the penalty for your sin. God raised Him from the dead, declaring that His sacrifice fully satisfied His righteous demands (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Your reproach will only be rolled away if you turn to Him. Change your mind about sin and stop trusting yourself. Call on the name of the Lord, and He will save you (Romans 10:13). Do not delay. The same Christ who stood before Joshua with a drawn sword now stands as Judge and Savior. Bow to Him today. Trust His atonement. Enter into His salvation while the way stands open.

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