“Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before. And Joshua said to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.’” Joshua 3:4&5 (NKJV)
Several lessons to be learned here my friends. Why stay a half mile away from the Ark as they follow it? Numerous times in the past God has given the Israelites instructions concerning those who may approach the Ark, all others will die. This instruction is intended to remind them of the awesome power of God’s presence and of the need to be obedient to His commands so that they live and not die.
As with much of Scripture, this passage has other applications, it is not just about following the Ark; it is about being aware of His presence, His will, and the need to follow His lead reverently in all situations that we might know how to live.
“For you have not been this way before”, if ever there was a verse that speaks to us today this is it my friends; we are truly in uncharted waters and never have we been more in need of God’s direction than we are today. As the National media does it’s best to stir up the already rampant fear, and those who are consumed by it disrupt our lives even more so than the virus, it is time for all of us who trust in God to keep our eyes on Him and not be swayed by misinformation and false reports. Now is the time to sanctify ourselves (set apart for the Lord) and trust Him; He is more than able to lead us through this tragic time. To sanctify means to make ready or prepare ourselves; it also means that we take the extra precautions required for personal wellness so that we are able to follow Him and to also help others.
I’m reminded of the first and last words from Kipling’s poem “If”; “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you… then you will be a Man my son!” We desperately need men and women who can keep their heads and follow God’s lead.
