RPG Adults
JOSHUA’S CHARGE TO THE PEOPLE
LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 15
Joshua 3
Psalm 46:7-11
“Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen…”
JOSHUA’S CHARGE TO THE PEOPLE
The crossing of River Jordan was Joshua’s first major duty he had to undertake since taking over the leadership from Moses. He told the people to sanctify themselves. God is holy and all who draw near to Him are likewise to be holy. This is a scriptural requirement and Joshua had to remind the people that they were standing before a holy God. He had great expectation and did not wish to allow anything to stand in between them and God.
The Ark of the Covenant was a central representation of the presence of God among them. The priests who bore the Ark were to come to the brink of River Jordan and stand still in the water. Joshua gave these instructions step by step and waited on God to show them what would follow. He had to do this because they were venturing into the unknown. Today, Christians are engaged in a spiritual warfare and it is not an easy undertaking. It is not of flesh and blood but of spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph 6:10 ff.).
God’s Words to Joshua: It was at this point that God spoke to Joshua. He said, “This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan” (Josh 3:7-8). The people knew that God had truly chosen Joshua. God told him to command the priests where they would stand. This narrative parallels that of the crossing of the Red Sea. The waters stopped in both cases and Israel walked on dry land. They saw the salvation of God. The priests did as they were commanded and waited on God to bring to pass what He had promised. That communication from heaven encouraged Joshua greatly. Thus he spoke to the people with all confidence.
THOUGHT: God uses miracles in His perfect timing according to His purpose.
PRAYER: Father, may Thy testimonies give me confidence to trust in Thee always.