Read Joshua 3
Synopsis
All of Israel were ready and anxious to possess the Promised Land. But they had to be consecrated before taking the land. God had punished their fathers for their lack of faith and disobedience. Now, this new generation needed to be re-aligned with God and His holiness. V1-5 recorded their pre-entry rites ... consecrating and purifying themselves. In addition, specific commands were given for the people to follow the Ark as it is moved by the priests. The Ark is a iconic symbol of God's presence and power for the people.
This was spring time in Canaan, which means that the river was at its highest. God chose this time to perform the miracle to demonstrate his power to the people too.
Major verses
V2-4 - The people were asked to follow the Ark so that "you will know which way to go", since they had never been that way before.
What I learnt - Whenever God leads us, we need to focus on His leading. We must trust that He knows the way better than us, even, and especially, for the path that we have never walked before.
V6-8 - Once again, God assured Joshua that He will personally lead the nation into the Promised Land. God could have simply parted the River Jordan to create a dry path for the nation to cross over. But He needed the people to demonstrate their trust and faith in Him. As such, God instructed the people to follow the priests who were carrying the Ark. And more importantly, the priests had to put their feet into the rushing waters of the river before the miracle would happen (v8).
What I learnt - We need to demonstrate our faith in God by clear action on our part. Just as the priests had to put their feet into the gushing waters before the river opened up, we must take the first step to activate God's promises to us.
V9-13 - As eager as it was for the nation to posses the land, Joshua made sure that the people had time to listen to God's words before attempting the crossing. He made use of the chance to reassure the people as God had reassured him of His leading and presence.
What I learnt - Many times in life, we are caught up in the hussle and buzzle of life so much that we cannot be still and take in God's words. And in as many times, we suffer the consequences of not hearing His instructions. Let us learn from the Israelites the importance to listening to and reflect His words before we take decisions. By reminding ourself of God's goodness and promises, we will surely be successful in all that we put our hands to do.
V14-17 - When the priests reached the water's edge, they obviously saw that the river was flooded at its peak since it was harvest (spring) time. What if they became frightened and refused to trek into the gushing waters? The good news was that they trusted God completely and took that important first step of faith. Once their feet were in the water, the water stopped flowing and dry land appeared before the nation.
What I learnt - As much as God wants to lead us, He will not intrude into our decision to trust Him. We must always remember not to allow the outward circumstances to distract us from the goodness and promises of God. And to receive the full benefits, step out in faith, just as the priests carrying the Ark did. Only then, will we see the mighty power of God.
Summary
We need to consecrate our life before God. Thank God that this is done through and by our faith in Jesus' completed work at Calvary. Because of Him, we are counted as "righteouness of God" (2 Cor 5:21). As we encounter challenges, let us always remind ourselves of God's goodness and His promises. More importantly, we must learn how to step out in faith and act according to His word.
Next up.....
Joshua 4 teaches us to always remember God's goodness and power....watch out for it on 18th Dec.
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