Perhaps you have read the story in Joshua 3, of God’s people, Israel, approaching the land that He had promised to their fathers generations before. For forty years they had wandered in the wilderness while a generation of unbelievers died, and their children learned to obey God and exercise faith in His promises. Soon they would cross the Jordan River and begin a new and very different life. It would be a change comparable to graduating from school and entering the work force, or getting married and taking the first steps as a new family, with all of its obstacles and uncertainties. Yes, life for God’s people Israel was about to change drastically, and Joshua, their leader, needed to get them ready. Their preparation would involve three steps:
First, “…Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. (Joshua 3:5)” The word sanctify means to be set apart. e.g. Like a fire extinguisher hangs on the wall for only one purpose, Israel had to abandon themselves to the Lord and His cause.
Secondly, “…Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God. (Joshua 3:9)” The road before them would be hard and filled with life threatening events. The Word of the Lord would guide them and empower them. Obedience would ensure certain victory!
Lastly, the first leg of their journey would require renewed confidence in their God—the river that lay between them and their promise was flooded and turbulent. Joshua simply conveyed God’s promise, “And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests… shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. (Joshua 3:13)”
We too, live in a day of great change and uncertainty; tomorrow is not going to look like today. Those who understand God’s Word will not be surprised, and the wise will be ready: Set apart unto God, Attentive to His Word, and Living in confident expectation that He will perform all that He has promised.