The answer is: Take off his sandals

Josh 5:15

In the book of Joshua, we find a pivotal moment when the captain of the Lord's host gives Joshua a seemingly simple yet profoundly significant command: "Take off your sandals." This act is rich with meaning! In the ancient Near East, removing footwear was a way of showing reverence when standing on holy ground. Why the focus on shoes? Feet are tied to daily life and mundane activities, while bare feet signify a sacred encounter, a preparatory ritual for something greater.

This interaction echoes the Burning Bush encounter Moses had with God in Exodus 3:5, where he also was instructed to remove his sandals. Both events highlight God's invitation into a profound moment of divine presence, transformation, and obedience. It reminds us that the act of preparation for something greater comes with relinquishing the familiar and mundane in favor of the sacred.

Moreover, symbols are peppered throughout the narrative. In both stories, the men experienced a profound moment of clarity about their missions. Joshua was on the brink of leading Israel into the Promised Land, and the commander’s guidance was essential for the venture ahead. Is it mere coincidence that great leaders often have formative moments marked by such practices?

So next time you hear the call to “take off your sandals,” consider not just the act itself but what it invites you to embrace—new beginnings rooted in reverent openness!