Possessing the Land - Pt 2

Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it. Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about 2,000 cubits in length. Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.” Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” And Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on before the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people. (Joshua 3:1-6 ESV).

The great question that loomed over the camp of Israel and over our lives today is, "Will we walk by sight or by faith?” Really, the question is whether we will believe that God is cap[able of handling the “impossible"? Our reading today is a key in finding this answer. God was about to reveal the steps that must be taken in every life if we are to move from being stuck in indecision and fear or moving forward in victory and faith. The experiences and decisions reported in this chapter were a major breakthrough for Israel. A whole new generation learned that victory depended totally upon the Lord. As we stand on the brink of this New Year and consider the obstacles that hinder us, it can feel like we're facing an impossible task between here and there. But these things are no match for the God of the Uncrossable! After three days the officers went through the camp and commanded the people: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God carried by the Levitical priests, you must break camp and follow it." (v. 3). One of the keys in order to understand what God was instructing them to do is found in the command to follow the “Ark.” We get a better understanding when we look inside the Ark. The stone tablets upon which the finger of God had written the Ten Commandments were inside that box, a sign to all Israel of God's desire for relationship. There was also a pot of manna, a reminder of God's gracious provision during the previous forty years (cf. Exodus16:33-34). Also there was Aaron's rod. It was a dead stick that miraculously grew leaves and almonds to validate the power of God to use anything He willed to accomplish His will, down to the smallest detail (cf. Numbers 17). These were three historical reminders, three witnesses to God's love and will and provision and power. The Ark was a monument of God's faithfulness to Israel! We should find our own “Ark.” What are those reminders of God’s provision in your life? Use them as a reminder of His faithfulness. Use them to inspire you to take one more step in the direction your faith leads. You will not be disappointed!