Steps to Stand on the Victory Side, Josh. ch. 3
Review:
We have seen the difference between the Red Sea crossing of the Israelites and their crossing at river Jordan. One was to escape from bondage, and the other was to escape the wandering self-life of the wilderness. Unlike the crossing at the Red Sea, Israelites had to fulfil certain requirements before God could wonderfully open the way through Jordan to reach the other side.
It speaks of the steps we ought to take before God will take us through victorious Christian life.
1. Be movable, Jos. 3:1, 14
They moved from Shittim to the Jordan, which is around 8 miles in distance (v1, 14). They did not settle in one place. Even though they did not see any sign of divine work, yet they were willing to move, ready to take a step. It is instructive - God never takes a believer forward in spiritual prosperity unless he is movable.
Think of a bicycle handle; if it is not flexible, you cannot control it. Similarly, be movable, willing to change, ready to take any step as the Lord leads. It is imperative for growth. Natural human tendency is to keep the status quo, but all who climb the ladder of achievement know, change is essential for growth and advancement.
Be teachable and changeable. Allow the Lord to direct you. It demands faith. Without faith they could never move from Shittim to Jordan - even unto the river.
So, when we take a step by faith, then He will direct us. When by faith we appropriate what God has promised, He will do for us according to His promises.
Similar idea is found in Paul's words in Phil. 3:12–14. Paul does not think that that the race is over, but forgetting the past, he presses on, stretching forward to reach the goal. Notice his readiness, movable attitude, etc., which are very much essential for a victorious life.
2. Be patient, V. 2
Though they moved from one place to another easily, they were not in a hurry to overtake God's way for them. They were willing to wait to get clear guidance from the Lord.
God allows 'delays' as well as 'halts' to make us wait, think, consider, and take a conscious, definite stand. We must be alert to the Lord's direction at every moment. Never run ahead of the Him, be patient. Moreover, we need perseverance too.
Someone commented, 'if Columbus who discovered America had returned after his long and dangerous voyage nobody would have blamed him, but then nobody would have remembered him either.' To inherit promises, we need faith and patience (Heb. 6:12).
3. Be focused on Christ, V. 3
"When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God" - They were not to center their attention on the land ahead, nor on the overflowing river before them, but on the Ark.
The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God among the people of Israel. When they moved from one camp to another, the Levites carried it on their shoulders, after covering it with a cloth. Usually, the Ark went in front of the main procession (Exo. 25:10 - 22; Num. 4:5-6; 10:33, etc.) being carried by the priests.
To cross over the river, Joshua says, the priests shall carry the Ark to lead the way. The people were supposed to look for the movement of the Ark of the Covenant to get guidance for their further steps and follow it.
The Ark of the Covenant typified the person of the Lord Jesus Christ who dwelt among us as God with us. As the Israelites had to keep their eyes focused upon the Ark, Christian believers are told to look to Jesus, Heb. 12:2, 3. He is our Captain; He goes before us, John 10:4.
Fix your eyes on Him, His glory, perfection, example, etc. (Heb. 3:1). The troublesome circumstances should not divert our attention from the Lord.
4. Be followers of the Lord, V. 3
The Israelites were not only to notice the movements of the Ark, but they had to follow it, even to the river. Similarly, we must follow the Lord Jesus Christ and His example, regardless of the cost.
He is the victor, and our victory is in Him. Consistently following Christ, His instructions, and examples are essential to experience victory in Him, (cf. John 10:4; 1Pet. 2:21; 1Cor. 11:1; 1Thess. 1:6, 7, etc.).
Do not be discouraged at failure. Self-designed paths and efforts will always lead to continuous disappointment. There is no shortcut in spiritual life. Follow the Lord whatever be the condition, wherever be the path, even if to the 'river'!
5. Be holy, v. 5.
'Sanctify yourselves'. Joshua made it very clear that without sanctification, you cannot see a mighty work from God. It may be ceremonial cleansing like washing their body and cloths etc. Also, it may refer to keeping themselves pure of all kinds of evil.
Without such a spiritual exercise, God would not work among them. It is true always. All the revivals began with a high standard of purity and cleansing, (cf. Isa. 59:1, 2; 2Cor 6:16–7:1; 1Th. 4:3; 2Tim. 2:21; Heb. 12:14).
6. Exalt the Lord. V.6
The priests had to walk before the people carrying the Ark of the Covenant. As already seen, the ark typifies Christ. So, in a general application we can say that as priests (1Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6) all believers should exalt Christ and walk as examples. We all must exalt Christ in our daily lives that many may see Him in and through us and follow Christ.
When we exalt and glorify the name of the Lord, heaven begins to do wonders for us (1Chro. 20:17, 21, 22; Acts 16:25).
And this is especially significant for leaders. They should be in the front, being examples. They should walk before the people exalting Christ that people could see and follow Him to spiritual victory. G&P
To be continued (DV)
