READING: Joshua 3:1-6:27
God was ready to lead His people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Though it appears He had not yet given them the details of how He would roll back the waters of the Jordan, He told them to get ready for His doing “amazing things among you” (Josh 3:5). How were they to get ready? They were to move as the priests moved the Ark of the Covenant (indicating God’s leading), they were to keep their distance from the ark (so they could see it leading their large group, and likely an indication of the holiness of God), and they were to “consecrate” themselves.
They were to consecrate themselves. That is, they were to separate themselves . . . be holy . . . be set apart in preparation for what God was about to do. In their day, consecration meant things like washing one’s body, washing one’s clothing, and abstaining from sexual intercourse for a time; they were to be “clean” for God to work through them. It meant they were to lock their eyes on God, turn from anything displeasing to Him, and follow His leading.
If you and I want God to work through us and through our churches today, we need to get our hearts ready, too. We don’t wait for God to do wonders among us before we get our spiritual act together; we get our act together in preparation for what God will do. We turn our hearts to Him in gratitude and faith—and He does amazing things.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What area of your life today would most get in the way of God’s working through you?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, show me where I need to get my heart ready for what You want to do.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Joshua 7:1, 1 Chronicles 2:7, Joshua 7:2-9:27