Is God on America's Side?

In this remarkable passage from the book of Joshua, an angel of Yahweh shows up as the people of Israel enter the Promised Land.

Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”
- Joshua 5:12-14

How does that sit with you? Do you want God to be on your side? On your country’s side?

Take a few moments to reflect on these insights from the famous Swiss theologian in the dawning days of World War I. Ask the Spirit for a nudge, and insight, or a next step in all of this.

"It is simply out of the question that God 'helps' the Germans or the French or the English [or the Americans!]. God does not even 'help' us Swiss. God helps justice and love. God helps the kingdom of heaven, and that exists across all national boundaries. ... The foolish mixing of patriotism, war enthusiasm, and Christian faith could one day lead to the bitterest disappointment ... We will not join in drinking this intoxicating potion. We want to look steadfastly and unwaveringly here to God, who loves everyone equally, who is above all the nations, from whom all have similarly departed, and from whose glory they have fallen short."

-Karl Barth, written in 1914