“You Have Not Passed This Way Before”

Joshua 3:2-4 ESV
“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 (just over a half of a mile). Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.”

The next generation of Israel, under a new leader, Joshua, was at a crossroad. Moses had died and now Joshua was to lead the people into the promised land. There was an obstacle in their way, the Jordan river, overflowing its banks at this time of the year, it stood in front of their entry into the Promised Land.

They had no doubt heard of the miracle of God in parting the Red Sea, but they had no eyewitness account, except from Joshua and Caleb. Joshua, full of the Holy Spirit of God, had prepared himself for this moment. We are not sure if God had told Joshua earlier how this miracle would take place, but I believe Joshua was walking in the moment.

1000 yards (10 football fields) was required by Joshua to stay away from the Ark of the Covenant. Why? So two million people could see which way the ark was going, and they would be able to see in panoramic view of the Jordan river heaped up to make a way clear path for Israel to cross over the Jordan.

Joshua was right, this next generation of Israelites had never been this way before or seen this kind of miracle before. Sometimes we see an obstacle and think it is the devil making life difficult for us. Maybe the obstacle is there so God can show His amazing might and power.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I don’t always know what you are doing in my life, but don’t let me jump to conclusions too fast. Teach me to get on my knees and seek you at every obstacle, You may have a miracle in store for me. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!