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Joshua Study 2

Stepping into the unknown - experiencing the amazing

Read Joshua Ch 3 v 1 - 17

Joshua has come with the people to the banks of the river Jordan. The river was in flood as it was spring time and the snow would be melting from the surrounding hills and causing a very swollen river bank and flood plain.

Spies had been sent out to explore the land and the city of Jericho. The task ahead was to cross the river, then capture Jericho, then capture Ai. As you stood on the bank of the river you would be faced with the wide river and then in front of you the city of Jericho, a very steep climb and then city of Ai. Not an easy task by any means.

Overcoming the impossible

Q What do you think went through the minds of the people as they stood on the river bank and looked across ?

Fear ?

Why didn’t we stay comfortable in Egypt ?

What is Joshua on ? He’s mad !

Q How many times are we faced with problems/situations and we doubt God. He might have done it before but not this time ! This is impossible.

Maybe the prospects of finding work, somewhere to live etc. All seems fairly impossible from where we stand.

V 6 ‘take up the ark and let it pass ahead’

The ark spoke of Gods presence with the people it signified God being with them. It was where God meet with the people.

It appears the ark was behind the people. - Wrong order.

Joshua says put the ark in front not behind.

Q In our lives how many times do we put God behind while we take the lead ?

I know best, I’ll do this on my own !

GIVE GOD THE FIRST PLACE

Remember what God said in Study 1 ’Tomorrow I’ll do amazing things’.

Today was tomorrow yesterday !

This is the day amazing things are going to take place !

V 8 Joshua says to the priests go and stand in the river

Imagine the conversation among the people - mad, crazy, are we going to swim !

V 10 Joshua said ‘This is how you will know God is among you. He’s going to remove all obstacles. TRUST ME

 v 13 As soon as the priests stand in the river I will cut off it’s flow.

God would prove his power beyond normal circumstances

v 15 As soon as they touched the water it’s flow stopped. Actually stopped 16 miles upstream at a place called Adam.

The people crossed over in safety.

Q What had happened if the priests had laughed at Joshua and not moved ?

Q Is there a situation where we can=t see a way through ?

Is God telling you to step out and trust Him. Put your feet in the water and trust me.

You’re never going to find out if you stand still.

God wants to do amazing things if we take Him at His word and step out in faith trusting Him.

Q Can we trust God for our future employment, relationships, health etc.

We need to learn to put God first in all things Proverbs 3 v 5 & 6 and then as we do that step out and see God do things for His glory in our lives and situations.

Point to those in leadership.

Note that in v17 the priests stood in the middle until the people had passed over the river. They didn’t see the problem overcome and then run off. They stayed in the middle supporting and helping the others until all were safely over.

They probably felt vulnerable and scared but :

• they stuck in there
• they proved God’s power
• they didn’t give up and leave the people

WARNING : If you are in Christian leadership of any kind it is an awesome responsibility not to be taken lightly or casually or for your own glory or benefit.

 

©HJWFEB1997