Scripture Text: Joshua 4:15-18
Then the Lord said to Joshua “Command the priests carrying the Box that holds the Agreement to come out of the river.” So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come out of the Jordan River.” The priests obeyed Joshua. They carried the Box of the Lord’s Agreement with them and came out of the river. When their feet touched the land on the other side of the river, the water in the river began flowing again. The water again overflowed its banks just as it had before the people crossed.
Joshua 4:15-18
Joshua, the priests, and the people obeyed God's command. When the feet of the priests who carried the box of the covenant touched the Jordan river, immediately the flow of water stopped then they stayed in the middle of Jordan river until all people completely crossed and finished the pile of the rocks as a memorial (Joshua 3:15-17). Finally, when their feet touched the dry land on the other side of the river, the water began flowing again (v 18). Remember, God was the One who stopped and restored the flow of Jordan river and even the Red Sea.
To carry the Box of the Covenant was a great privilege for the priests, that's why God sustained their strength. The priest's strength were really connected with God's power. In this event, the Lord Himself led the people and showed to the human priests on how to save, protect and take care of God's people and bring them to the safe place.
God encourages us to obey all the teachings that we have learned and heard from His words in the Bible so that our strength will always be connected with His power through our Lord Jesus. The Lord suffered and was humiliated, but He obeyed the will of the Father. He is our Lord, Savior and a High Priest, who promised that whoever believes in Him will inherit a safe place (eternal life). As 1 John 2:25 says, "and this is what the Son promised us—eternal life."
In 1 Peter 2:9, the author emphasized that Christ's Church is a new Israel when it comes to spirituality of the people, a royal priesthood and God's holy nation. Christians are a part of the church body and the church as Christ's body that's why we are obliged to proclaim His excellencies to all people who still live in the darkness of this world and usher them into His marvelous light.
Besides, the Lord is empowering us through the Holy Spirit so that we can do what Jesus wants us to do. The Lord gives us wisdom, assures our safety and protection, and He sustains our strength to overcome all situations in our daily lives because His presence is always with us. Truly, our Lord Jesus is the only source and sustainer of our strength. He is our God, Savior, our strength!
Reflect
1. Do you depend on Jesus for strength?
2. Do you value the strength entrusted to you by the Lord?
3. Do you maximize your strength to advance God's kingdom?
Remember
In any difficult situation, God assures us strength to win over all situations. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only great source of our strength; without Him, we are nothing.
Read
Exodus 19:5-6; Hebrews 5:8-10; Exodus 15:2; Isaiah12:2; Philippians 4:13
Pray
Dear God, thank You for the reminder that apart from You, we are weak, easy to be tempted, faint, and hopeless in everything. Thank You because You are our God who always encourages us and gives us the assurance that we are in good hands in Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the continuous strength You are giving and extending to us. Because of Your unending love, grace, and mercy, we are enjoying and valuing the life You entrusted to us. Thank You Lord for the life, strength and eternal salvation You have given us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us Lord to maximize our time and strength so that we can share Your words to the people through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. All these things we ask in Jesus' mighty Name. Amen!
Comments