New Places, New Ways
Introduction: The Perfect Time to Begin
The people of God had a new leader, and it was time to move into their promise. God is preparing all of us for new places and new ways on our journey. We cannot stay the same or continue doing things that need to change. While there may never feel like a "perfect" time, today is a new day. Let us begin!
The Scriptural Foundation: Joshua 3:15-17
“When the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests went in front of them carrying the ark of the covenant on their shoulders. The very moment the priests with the ark dipped their feet in the river’s edge, the water coming downstream toward them stopped flowing and piled up in a solid wall... the people crossed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests stood firmly on dry ground in the riverbed... The entire nation passed by the ark as they completed their miracle-crossing on dry ground.”
What a day! They had safely crossed the river. What was next? Conquering the land? No. Before the battle, God directed them to build a memorial from twelve stones, one for each tribe.
1. ALWAYS REMEMBER
It is easy to forget what we should remember and remember what we should forget.
A. Look for God’s direction in your life.
God did not want His people to plunge into their next steps unprepared. Reflect on what God has already done for you to see what He is preparing for your future.
B. Focus on who has been guiding you.
The Israelites spent 39 unnecessary years in the wilderness because they feared the Canaanites and underestimated God’s power. Keep your eyes on the Guide, not the giants.
C. Acknowledge that God meets every need.
He causes great opposition to disappear and can change the hearts of those who oppose Him.
D. Look for the signs.
In Joshua 4:5, the stones were a sign of the crossing. What "signs" has God given you? Whether it is a small memento or a significant milestone, these signs testify to His miracles in your journey.
It is so human to want to be “accepted, appreciated and even praised”. We must pray we have this in balance because only our Lord is to one to exalt.
2. ALWAYS HONOR
Joshua 4:14: “That day the Lord made Joshua a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites, and for the rest of his life they revered him as much as they had revered Moses.”
A. Reputation is built on God’s way.
Joshua’s reputation came from handling responsibilities God’s way. Doing "right" is more important than simply doing "well."
B. God is the One who exalts.
It was the Lord who "made Joshua" a great leader. As 1 Peter 5:6 says: “If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, He will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in His hands.”
C. Humility precedes exaltation.
Luke 14:11 reminds us that those who humble themselves will be exalted. Rather than aiming for prestige, look for a place to serve. If God wants you on a wider scale, He will invite you higher.
Do you give honor to your leaders and to others?
3. ALWAYS CELEBRATE
We see miracles and honor, but before the celebration, God required a renewal of commitment and sanctification.
A. The Requirement of Sanctification.
There could have been a half million men who were circumcised at that time. There was still a price to pay.
Joshua 5:6-7 “By the end of forty years, all the fighting men who had come out of Egypt had died because they had not listened to the voice of Yahweh. So, Yahweh had made an oath they would not see the land he had promised to give their ancestors, a fertile land. So, he raised their sons in their place and Joshua circumcised them because they had not been circumcised on the way.”
This is difficult for our mind to comprehend but the "flesh" (human nature apart from divine influence) must be set aside if we are to enter the fullness of our spiritual inheritance. We are in a constant process of being sanctified.
B. Rolling away the shame.
At Gilgal, the people renewed their covenant. God "rolled away" their disgrace. If you are holding onto shame, give it to Him and let it go. This is the key to true celebration.
C. Celebrating the Passover.
This was only the third time they celebrated Passover since leaving Egypt and the first time in their new place, the promised land. God wants us to pause and celebrate His deliverance.
D. A New Menu for a New Season.
Joshua 5:11-12: “The day after they ate the produce of the land, the manna ceased.” They were in a new place, and it was a new way! God provides differently in different seasons.
CONCLUSION
The crossing of the Jordan was a miracle that brought the people into the land of their dreams. God wanted them to stop and set aside time to remember and submit. By putting God first, their shame was removed, and they could truly celebrate.
They were getting ready for one of their greatest victories. But how would they get through the fortified walls of Jericho? See the next lesson.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
As you pursue your God-given tasks, do you set aside quiet moments to build "memorials" to God? List a few examples of His provision in your life.
What is your primary focus right now? (Remember the order: Remember, Focus, Honor, then Celebrate).
Where do you currently find yourself in these three steps?