Been this way before?

You have not passed this way before – Joshua 3:4.

In Joshua 3 God gives directions on how the nation of Israel are to cross the River Jordan. When they had previously crossed the Red Sea, Moses had gone down to the water and stretched out his hand over the sea (Exodus 14:21), and the Lord caused the sea to go back; the nation of Israel were then able to walk across the sea on dry land.

Now they were to cross the Jordan River. A greater miracle than even that which occurred when they crossed the Red Sea would be necessary, for the river was in flood. The Ark of the Covenant was to go almost a mile ahead of the people and be carried by priests who were to come to the edge of the Jordan River and stand there.

Crossing the Jordan River into the land of Canaan was a major turning point as far as the faith of the Israelites were concerned, because having once crossed the river, there would be no possibility of escape. Once in the land of Canaan, they would have to face the enemy with their armies, chariots, and walled cities. The entire nation took this step together in complete commitment to God.

This would be a new experience for the Israelites; they had not passed this way before. The people were perhaps filled with anxiety and fear; what would it be like? Would it work out? They were given precise instructions regarding their personal sanctification and readiness to go forward, and how in safety they should follow the Ark of the Covenant.

And perhaps we are in a new situation, today.  Bereavement, a relationship breakdown, being made redundant, or a loss of health?  We haven’t had that type of experience before. But the Lord knows the way and He will meet our need. We must look to Him who knows the situation.  He will strengthen and help through all the unknowns; we must look to Him and trust Him.

The Lord Jesus is the inspiration for the Christian who is seeking to live for God in this world, (Heb 12:1-3). He was as a Shepherd going before the flock (1Peter 2:25), as the great High Priest who passed through temptation apart from sin (Hebrews 4:14-15), as a sufferer at the hands of men (1Peter 2:21-24), and in many other ways He brought pleasure to God.

We like Abraham, must walk in faith, just as “he went forth not knowing whither he went.” We can safely follow Him who “bearing His cross went forth unto a place called Golgotha.” In doing so, He proved He is worth believing and following. We must press on in His strength.

Not been this way before? Well, there is One who knows all about us and loves us just the same. Trust Him to lead you through the situation, to make you lie down in green pastures, beside the still waters (Psalm 23:2).