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HANDLING THE FUTURE

We don't know what the future will bring. We are either overcomers or we are being overcome. There are areas in our lives that still need to be conquered. See Hebrews 6:1. It is faith that drives us forward. It is fear that makes us settle in a comfort zone. When we have confidence in God, we can progress.

1. The people were to follow the Ark (vs 3)

The Ark has been replaced in the New Testament by Jesus Christ. We are to focus on Him. God's presence had dwelt in the Ark. God's presence would dwell in Jesus Christ.

They must focus - Have you taken your eyes off Jesus?
They are to recall God's faithfulness. The Ark reminded them of the faithfulness of God. God had delivered them in the past. Jesus won't disappoint you.
They would find strength - What’s so important about the Ark? It represented the person and promises of God. It pointed to the fact that as the people of Israel set out to cross the Jordan, invade, and possess the land, they must do so not in their own strength, but in God’s for it was God Himself who was going before them as their source of victory. See 2 Corinthians 3:4-5. Our adequacy is to come from God.

2. The people were to proceed with caution (vs 4-5)

All the way through the wilderness was an untrodden path, but mostly so this path through Jordan. Two qualities were required:-

Attitude - If you don't expect much then won't get much. While we are here, we must expect and prepare to pass ways that we have not passed before; but in the path of duty we may proceed with boldness and cheerfulness. Whether we are called to suffer poverty, pain, labour, persecution, reproach, or death, we are to follow God in faith. but faith will there see the prints of the Redeemer's feet, who trod that very path to glory above, and bids us follow him, that where he is, we may be also.
Action - In the way of action, let us proceed as far as we can, and depend on the Lord. Notice how Joshua arose early in the morning. Those who would bring great things to pass, must rise early. Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty. See Proverbs 20:13. They were to sanctify themselves. If we are to experience the effects of God's love and power, we must put away sin, and be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. The people were to follow the ark. Thus we should walk after the rule of the word, and the direction of the Spirit, in everything.

3. Hold onto the promises (vs 6-7)

Sometimes we don't have the insight to know what is happening.

Jesus must lead - The confidence of the people were in Joshua who must have confidence in God. Joshua must hold on to the promises of God. Jesus bids us to follow after Him. He is our Leader.
The people must follow - The people had followed a cloud. Now they must follow the Ark. It required obedience. The Lord knows the way and we have just to follow. Walking around Jericho seemed silly, until the walls fell down. We are to follow in obedience and God will handle our future.