Charting A New Course

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-11 “And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. 2 And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; 3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. 4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. 5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. 6 And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. 7 And the LORD said unto Joshua, 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. 8 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. 9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God. 10 And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites. 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.”

Introduction: God led Israel out of Egypt with a strong hand. Moses had served the nation well for 80 years. Now his faithful servant, Joshua the son of Nunn was selected to be his successor. Joshua and Caleb were the surviving member of a generation born as slave in Egypt. For forty years he has served as Moses’ great military general, providing safety and protection for the people. Joshua was a loyal and devoted friend of Moses. Although his call may not have been as profound as the call of others, He was God’s choice to lead Israel into the Promised Land.

His first major task was to lead Israel across the Jordan River. The crossing of the Jordan is a type of leaving the old life behind and moving in a new direction. It requires a full commitment to God. To cross a Jordan River, out of its bank, They will need supernatural intervention. This is another Red Sea situation, only the presence of God and His anointing can open a way. God has given Joshua a word of assurance. In that word, Joshua received 4 commands (1) Cross over this Jordan, this is your task (2) Be strong and very courageous, this is your attitude (3) Divide unto this people their inheritance, this is your destiny (4) Obey God’s Commands completely, this is your challenge. Joshua also received 3 Promises (1) No one will be able to stand before you. (2) As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee and (3) I will fail thee nor forsake thee.

Joshua chapter 3 is Israel’s valley of decision. Up to this point on their journey, they had simply relied on Moses. They complained as they followed the voice of Moses, followed a cloud and all their needs were met. They lived as children without responsibility. Moses had gently led them, prayed for them, wept over them, and carried them on his heart. Joshua is a different leader, moving them in a new direction. The days of passivity are over, if Israel is to possess the land, they must aggressive and deliberate. They must take the initiative and attack when commanded. As we respond to the call of God, all of us must pass through the valley of decision. After watching the raging waters of the Jordan three days, some were probably gripped by fear. They still must decide for themselves if they are going across.

Many people choose to live in the valley of indecision. Deciding not to choose, is still a decision. Unless you are willing to cross over Jordan, we cannot become who God is calling us to be and never possess what God desires for us. God’s offer of salvation and forgiveness is open to any who would make Jesus their choice. Ignoring God’s offer is still a choice. The nation of Israel made a decision that any who were not willing to follow Joshua’s leadership, would be cut off from among them.