“You Have Not Been This Way Before.”

Just before the people of Israel crossed into the promise land Joshua told them this, “When you see the ark…do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not been this way before.” (Joshua 3:3-4)  Israel was going into a land that they had never traveled before.  This probably caused much fear in them as well as joy.  Joy because they were finally going into the land of promise, and fear because ahead of them was utterly unknown.

How could Joshua and Israel be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6-9) while going into the unknown?  Moses’ words were still fresh on their minds from his last word to them (Deuteronomy).  In Deut. 31:6,8 Moses encouraged them “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the One who goes with you.  He will not fail you nor forsake you…The Lord is the One who goes ahead of you; He will be with you.  He will not fail you nor forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.” Moses knew that the unknown was coming, and encouraged them that God is the One who goes ahead of them.

How great was this for Israel and how great is this for us today!  Many times in life we find ourselves at the Jordan, looking into the vast unknown, wondering what is there, what is waiting for us.  Be encouraged, do not fear or tremble, the LORD is the One who goes before you, He will not fail you nor forsake you.  Jesus said something similar, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)  Take heart, the Lord is with you always, and the Lord has already gone before you, all we have to do, is follow His footsteps.