|
|
Joshua 3 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
There are many great applications we can take from this chapter. First, we must understand the problem at hand. A whole nation is trying to cross a rushing river swollen with spring rains. Most likely, we are talking about hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people. Joshua is in command of them and the responsibility of this problem rests squarely on his shoulders. Not unlike Moses’ time, I’m sure there were doubters and complainers among the people. The text does not mention that, but regardless, this is a huge task and a terrible roadblock.
Why does God allow for roadblocks in our life? So many times in life, when detours pop up, God does His best work. While we tend to focus on ourselves, He is focused on the big-picture journey. This was not just any journey. This was a promise of God that would be fulfilled. The people had many reasons to believe God would deliver them from any and all complications.
Joshua Listens For God
First, we see that Joshua does not handle the problem by coming up with a solution on His own. He knows the physical problem that stands between them must require a spiritual response. Crossing the Jordan was not something he came up with, it was something God had promised. Therefore, Joshua knew the glory and honor must start with God.
This is why the ark is called upon as the first to be sent. Joshua set the tone for the entire nation by proclaiming that their eyes will not be set on human wisdom, but on the glory of God. God’s presence would lead the way. He would go before them.
Through The Waters
But let’s consider another truth. Just as in Exodus, the Lord took them into the waters. Their path was not around, or over, but through. Let’s be honest, we don’t like going through the waters. Maybe you do, but I definitely do not. Give me a boat so I can safely float above. Give me a map so I can take another route. But God’s plan for His people was to show them that even though they walked through the valley, He was there providing the path to safety.
You are the God who works wonders; You revealed Your strength among the peoples. 15 With power You redeemed Your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. 16 The waters saw You, God. The waters saw You; they trembled. Even the depths shook. 17 The clouds poured down water. The storm clouds thundered; Your arrows flashed back and forth. 18 The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; lightning lit up the world. The earth shook and quaked. 19 Your way went through the sea and Your path through the great waters, but Your footprints were unseen.
Psalms 77:14-19 HCSB
His way goes through the waters. They do not frighten Him. They do not overwhelm Him. The roadblocks that mess with our lives and cause all kinds of anxiety and stress for the human mind are merely another path that God uses to accomplish His will. What does this mean for you today? What roadblock or detour is causing you great pain and anguish?
When the waters saw God, they trembled. Even the depths shook.
Footprints Unseen
The final point to reflect on here is the fact that God was present even though His footprints were unseen. This is the reality of life with Jesus. We question. We wonder. We complain. We cry. We struggle. We don’t see God in the moment even though He is right there working. Even though it seems our God has left us, we know He is near to us because we witness the evidence of Him working. We must not look down to search for His footprints, but up to His face to see His glory.
“God’s way is in the sea-it is impossible to track His footsteps-but it is also in the sanctuary! In other words, however perplexing His providences may appear, they are governed by His redeeming love for His own, and are consistent with His perfect holiness. His ways may be veiled in mystery, but He leads His people as the shepherd His flock. Do not look down at your path, but up into His face.”
F.B. Meyer