3/11/2021 Joshua 3:1-8

“When we stand facing the impossible”

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 3:4. Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about half a mile[a] behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and Ark. Make sure you don’t come any closer.”

OBSERVATION.

Summary,
Joshua prepares the Israeli community to focus only on God to cross over the Jordan River.

Who is God
– God works miracles among the holy ones.
– God leads us ahead and guides us.
– God wants us to wake up early in the morning.

APPLICATION

Finally, the moment has come when the people of Israel take the first step in the conquest of Canaan. It is crossing the Jordan River. God led them to Jordan after telling them to conquer Canaan. Today’s text presents the strategy to cross the impossible river.

We should do our best to cross the impossible river. To obey God’s commands without delay, Joshua and all the Israel people got up early in the morning and camped near the Jordan. They cannot make the Jordan dry, but they try to do their best in what they can. Do my best to conquer the impossible river.

Then Joshua tells the people to follow the ark of the covenant. Although they have never been there, Joshua said they would know the way if they followed the covenant’s ark. They were supposed to stay about half a mile behind the ark, keeping a clear distance between people and Ark. They should not come any closer for everyone to look at the ark of the covenant. To conquer the impossible river, the people focused on the ark of covenant instead of looking at the river. The ark of the covenant symbolizes the presence of God and His word. We should not look at the impossible situation and be discouraged, but focus on God and His word and rely only on Him facing the impossible river.

Then Joshua orders them to consecrate themselves. Consecration means to be distinguished. God said he would perform the miracle among the Israelites only if they are consecrated. Holiness is not a condition of salvation. However, being consecrated is an essential condition of life required for those who want to overcome their enemies and seek God’s favor. Examine myself in front of the impossible river and make me holier.

• Sin to void: Do not be discouraged as I look at the situation, but look to God facing an impossible situation.
• Promise to hold: God makes the impossible possible.
• Action to take place: Do your best in impossible situations, look to God only and be holier.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I repent that I was discouraged by the situation. I won’t look to people or circumstance but look to you only to cross the impossible river. I will be more diligent, more consecrated, and focus only on the Lord.