Daily Reading: Joshua 3-4
Scripture Focus: 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. (Joshua 3.3)
Devotional Thought: Following God is not easy. There are times when faith pushes us to do things that our minds resist. The Israelites experienced that as they prepared to pass over the Jordan River and enter into the Promised Land. God had said, "This is the way. Walk in it."
And so they set out...
• The priests set out with confidence. The waters remained high - at flood stage! - until the moment the priests got their feet wet. Going down to the water's edge, with thousands of eyes looking on, took confidence! Where is God calling you to set your feet?
• The people set out by the influence of their leaders. The waters of the Jordan had dried up, but how long would that be the case? Do these leaders really know what they are doing? When leaders are Spirit-filled and God-ordained, we can follow their influence.
• The men of war from the eastern tribes set out at their expense. Earlier, God had given these tribes permission to stay on the east side of the Jordan. But, they had to cross over and fight alongside their brothers. They did so at great personal risk and expense. Following God costs us everything!
• Twelve men set out in obedience. After everybody had gotten through the waters, one man from each tribe found himself back in the middle of the dry riverbed to obtain stones for a monument. They followed God obediently, even when others were not required to do so. Our obedience is a matter between us and God!
Have you set out to follow God?
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you lead me through the waters of life. Lord, I will not draw back in fear, doubt your leadership, deny the cost, or demand equal treatment. Instead, I am determined to follow you. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 30.1-5
1 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. 3 O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. 5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
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