Reading: Joshua 3
“Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders
among you.”
Joshua 3:5
When Israel fled Egypt God told Moses to hold his staff out
and God parted the sea. Now the time has come to enter the Promised Land and
God’s directions include choices for each person and a particular call to the
priests who carried the ark.
Sanctify yourselves—prepare to see the wonder—follow the ark—cross
over on dry ground.
But the flowing waters would not be cut off until the soles
of the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the Lord literally stepped
into the waters. And then they “stood
firm on dry ground until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.”
To Israel the ark represented God’s testimony to remain with
the people—within their camp. His testimony—His word—His Direction—His Presence.
And the priests faithfully stood under that authority and under that promise
until all were safe.
Many times Jesus gave His disciples similar directions.
Follow Me—I am the light—Abide in My word—I am the way, the truth and the
light—keep My word.
Each had a choice, a decision to believe—to trust—to
follow—in all circumstances. Eleven did and one did not.
Sometimes we too are faced with overwhelming rivers keeping
us separated from the new land God intends for us and we let the impossibilities
freeze us on the edge. Fear chokes our trust in His words. Sometimes for ourselves
and often for others. Faith dissolves under the tide of rushing waters. There
is no way through. Unless we take His words as seriously as did Israel and the
disciples.
Lord, give us courage to remember that when we step forward
first sanctified in Your word and in prayer You will direct our path onto dry
ground. And you will give us strength to stand there for others when You call
us to wait.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 123:2
"As the eyes of servants look to the lord of the their
master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to
the Lord our God, until he has mercy upon us.”
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