“…When you see the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, move out from your positions and follow them. Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about a half mile behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you don’t come any closer.” Joshua 3:3–4 (NLT)
I once went hiking with my two daughters on a trail that was supposed to take only an hour. We wanted a break from screens. At first, we followed the trail map, but soon, my daughters accused me of taking longer paths. Finally, I let them choose which paths we would take. That’s when things changed. Within minutes, we were lost in the woods. Every trail crossing looked the same, and what seemed right kept turning into another wrong turn. We made it to the trailhead in three hours.
In Joshua 3, God kept Israel from making the same mistake I made with my daughters, relying on our own understanding. They were about to cross the Jordan River into an unknown land. Instead of relying on judgment, they had to fix their eyes on the Ark, the symbol of God’s presence. When God calls us into a new experience, leaning on what we already know can cause us to miss the leading of the Holy Spirit. To walk safely through new sessions or trials, we need to follow Jesus closely, not running ahead and not falling behind.
Israel had to keep a clear distance from the Ark. This was God’s way of reminding them not to treat His presence casually. In the same way, we are called to follow God closely but also maintain reverence for Him. In a familiar phase, walk humbly with God. Our Father in Heaven is also the king of the universe, and he requires our very best in worship, service, efforts, and practices. In Apostle Paul’s words, a sacrifice acceptable to Him.
"Since you have never traveled this way before" describes people in transition, leaving behind the old and stepping into the unknown with God. In such seasons, we are called to make Jesus our priority, spending time in His Word, seeking Him in prayer alone and with other believers. As we do, He shows us His purpose and direction for our lives and His church. The good news is this: the good shepherd has not left us to walk through the transitions alone. He invites us to follow closely after Him.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You for the invitation into new experiences with you, as an individual and your church. Grant us the grace to fix our eyes on Jesus and follow Him closely and humbly. Teach us how to give you our best in worship and service. Keep us from rushing ahead or falling behind. Let us experience your presence, a reminder that we never walk alone. Amen.
Song of the Day: Show Me Your Face - Steffany Gretzinger
