Morning: The sermon, "Looking Forward," focused on Joshua 3:1-17. In this passage, Joshua prepares the Israelites to cross over the Jordan. The passage evokes anticipation and wonder. Joshua tells the people three things that will enable them to see the promise land.
They must consecrate themselves. For the nation of Israel, consecration was about setting one's self apart to the LORD. There were rituals and rules that guided the process. For the modern believer, consecration is about setting heart, mind, and soul on the things of the LORD. Consecration takes commitment to the course. It takes confession, that is, internal cleansing. And it takes obedience. They not only needed to set themselves apart, but they also need to listen to the Word of the LORD.
Joshua called Israel together and commanded them to listen to the Word of the LORD. For them, the word was a specific message concerning the crossing of the Jordan. However, it can be expanded out to include all of God's revealed Word. The Word of God is our authority. It is our guide. If we want to see God in our midst, we must hear his Word, and do what it says.
Finally, Joshua told the Israelites to move out. The Lord sends his Word in order to move his people. We are called to action, to step out on faith. We know that we trust the Lord when we do what he commands. We know the Lord is with us because he strengthens us to do what he calls us to do.
We are called to live in anticipation, ready to see the Lord at work. Part of living in that anticipation is setting ourselves apart for service to the Lord. Another part of that anticipation is listening to the Word of God. When we finally see what the Lord is calling us to we need to set out in obedience.
Evening: Business meeting.
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