Joshua 3: 1 – 6
Joshua got up early in the morning; and they moved from Shittim and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel. They camped there before they crossed over. 2 After three days, the officers went through the middle of the camp; 3 and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of Yahweh your God’s covenant, and the Levitical priests bearing it, then leave your place and follow it. 4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it of about two thousand cubits[a] by measure—don’t come closer to it—that you may know the way by which you must go; for you have not passed this way before.”
5 Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow Yahweh will do wonders among you.”
6 Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and cross over before the people.” They took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.
Let Yourself Be Guided by God
Introduction
A new year often opens before us like a blank page.
It awakens hopes, expectations, and sometimes even fears.
The reality is simple: we do not know what the future holds.
We cannot see the turns ahead, the challenges, or the battles that may come.
That is precisely why we need a Guide.
Not just any guide, but a perfect, reliable, and all-knowing Guide.
Just as an explorer would never venture into unknown territory without a guide, we too need God to walk before us.
In Joshua 3, the people of Israel stand at a decisive moment: they are about to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land. The challenge is immense, and God gives them clear instructions.
This passage teaches us how God guides us and how we must walk in order to fully experience His plans.
Theme
When God walks before us, we cannot lose our way.
Message Outline
- Follow God’s direction — because we do not know the way
- Respect the distance — allowing God to be God
- Consecrate ourselves — preparing to see God act
1. Follow God’s Direction
(Joshua 3:3–4)
The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God.
God instructed the people not to move ahead of it, but to follow it.
Why?
Because the path was new.
“You have not passed this way before.”
Neither have we lived this year before.
But God already knows every turn along the road.
God does not always ask us to understand.
He asks us to follow.
Illustration — The GPS
When we use a GPS, we do not argue with every instruction.
We trust it because it sees farther than we do.
God is a perfect Guide.
When He says, “Move forward,” even if it does not seem logical, He sees what we cannot see.
2. Respect the Distance with God
(Joshua 3:4)
God asked that a distance be kept between the people and the Ark.
Not to create separation, but to teach reverence, dependence, and humility.
Spiritually, this means:
• not rushing ahead of God
• not forcing God to act according to our schedule
• not dictating our solutions to Him
God is God.
And we cannot take His place.
Illustration — The Physician
We describe our symptoms, but it is the physician who prescribes the treatment.
Likewise, we present our needs to God, but He is the One who directs our path.
3. Consecrate Yourself to See God Work
(Joshua 3:5)
“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
Consecration means preparing our hearts for God.
It involves:
• putting God first
• purifying our motives
• turning away from what weakens our relationship with Him
God acts in prepared hearts.
Illustration — The Electrical Connection
An appliance may be powerful, but without connection it cannot function.
Consecration is that connection that allows God’s power to flow in our lives.
Practical Applications
Follow God
• Begin each day with a simple prayer:
“Lord, guide me today.”
• Seek His will before making important decisions.
• Let His Word become your daily guide.
Respect the Distance
• Let go of the need to control everything.
• Learn to wait for God’s timing.
• Trust Him to open the right doors.
Consecrate Yourself
• Examine your habits.
• Forgive others.
• Purify your thoughts and motivations.
Conclusion
Israel did not cross the Jordan by its own strength.
They crossed because they allowed God to walk before them.
The future may seem uncertain, but we never walk alone.
We may not know the road ahead,
but we know the One who does.
The question remains:
Will you allow God to guide you this year?
“Consecrate yourself today… and tomorrow, I will perform wonders.”
May God richly bless you and lead you in His perfect ways.