The Reproach of Egypt

The Reproach of Egypt

(1) So it was, when all the kings of the Amorites who were on the west side of the Jordan, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel until we had crossed over, that their heart melted; and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the children of Israel. {Joshua 5:1 NKJV}

So many of us in the Christian church have come out of Egypt, decided to quit wondering in the wilderness, we have let Jesus lead us across the Jordan, and here we are. We are on the edge of the Promise Land but something is just not right.

(2) At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time."
(3) So Joshua made flint knives for himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. {Joshua 5:2-3 NKJV}

What is the problem? We have not let ourselves be consecrated by Jesus. There is that thing (or things) that we have brought with us from Egypt. "The Reproach of Egypt" is still with us. We all know what it is for us. That thing that we will not let go of from the world. Now before we can be used in battle for the promise land we let the Lord remove this 'reproach' from us.

(8) So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed.
(9) Then the LORD said to Joshua, "This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day. {Joshua 5:8-9 NKJV}

So what will happen when you let the Lord remove 'The Reproach of Egypt' from you? First it will hurt. Second, it will take some time to heal the hurt. But then, guess what will happen?

(13) And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?"
(14) So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?"
(15) Then the Commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, "Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy." And Joshua did so. {Joshua 5:13-15 NKJV}

The Commander of the army of the LORD will show up Himself and fight the battles for you. Jericho’s wall will fall down at your shout!