"Encountering the Commander: When Worship Becomes Your Battle Strategy"

Ekklesia Family

In seasons of transition, our greatest need is not a better plan but a fresh encounter with Christ as Commander—where we surrender our strategies and submit to His lordship.

Joshua 5:13-15 (NLT)"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."

Revelation 19:11-16 (NLT)"Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war... On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords."

Joshua stood at Gilgal—between the miracle of crossing Jordan and the battle of Jericho. The people were circumcised, consecrated, celebrating Passover. But Joshua didn't have the battle plan yet. He had zeal, yes. He had a promise, absolutely. But he didn't have permission to move.

Then he encountered the Commander.

This wasn't an angel offering advice. This was a theophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ Himself. Notice: the Commander didn't answer Joshua's question about whose side He was on. He redefined the question. Joshua thought he was leading God's army. The Commander revealed that Joshua was joining His.

The command? Take off your sandals. This is holy ground.

Translation: "Stop treating this like your mission. You're standing in My campaign."

Church, we are between Gilgal and Jericho. We've crossed over. We've been marked by the season. We've fasted, prayed, and declared. But some of us are still operating like we're the ones in charge.

We're asking God to bless our strategies instead of surrendering to His lordship.

Let me be clear: You will not win the next battle with last season's confidence. Jericho doesn't fall because you're excited. It falls because you obey the Commander.

And here's the uncomfortable truth—many of us have been so busy planning the next move that we haven't stopped long enough to encounter Him. We want the breakthrough, but we're not willing to take off our shoes. We want the victory, but we're not ready to fall on our faces.

God is not looking for better soldiers. He's looking for surrendered ones.

Revelation 19 shows us that same Commander—now riding a white horse, eyes like fire, sword coming from His mouth, crowned with many crowns. His name? King of kings. Lord of lords.

He's not asking if you're ready for the battle. He's asking: Will you recognize Me as Commander?

Here's your word for today:

The Commander doesn't show up to join your plan. He shows up to interrupt it.

If you're in transition right now—between what was and what's coming—this is your moment. Not to hustle harder. Not to figure it out faster. But to encounter Him afresh.

Stop asking God to bless your ideas. Start asking Him to reveal His strategy.

Joshua didn't get instructions until he worshiped. The battle plan came after the encounter. So if you're frustrated that you don't have clarity yet, check this: Have you truly surrendered? Have you taken off your sandals and recognized the ground you're standing on as holy?

Transition isn't just about moving locations. It's about repositioning your heart. From independence to submission. From self-led to Spirit-led. From "God, help me do this" to "God, what do You want me to do?"

Conviction: Some of you have been treating Jesus like a consultant instead of a Commander. You've been asking Him to approve your plans instead of obeying His.

Repentance: It's time to fall on your face. Literally. Figuratively. Spiritually. Let go of control. Worship Him as Lord—not just Savior, not just Helper, but Commander.

Father, forgive us for the arrogance of trying to lead what You alone can command. We surrender our plans, our timelines, our need to be in control. Holy Spirit, we take off our shoes. We recognize that this ground—this moment, this transition—is holy because You are here.

Commander of Heaven's Armies, we submit to Your lordship. Not our will, but Yours. Not our strategy, but Yours. Not our timing, but Yours. We don't just want the victory—we want You. Teach us to worship our way into obedience. Lead us into battles we cannot win without You. And let every step forward be taken barefoot, in reverence, in surrender, in trust.

We are at Your command. Speak, Lord. We're listening. Amen.

If you've never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, today is your day. This isn't about joining a church or starting a religious routine. This is about encountering the Commander and choosing to follow Him.

Jesus didn't come to improve your life. He came to save it, transform it, and command it.

If you're ready to stop running your own life and start following His lead, pray this with me:

"Jesus, I surrender. I confess that I've been trying to be my own commander. Forgive me. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I give You my life—my past, my present, my future. Be my Lord. Be my Commander. Lead me. I'm Yours. Amen."

Welcome to the family.

And if you're already walking with Christ but you've been living like a soldier without a Commander—come back. He's waiting. Worship. Surrender. Encounter Him again.

At Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries, we're a family committed to following Jesus, not just talking about Him. We'd love to walk with you. Visit us at ekklesiachristianlife.org or join us in person as we transition into our new season at The Nia Center.

LoveUMoreThanUKnow,

Pastor Stephän

Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries

ekklesiachristianlife.org