In today’s Daily Devotional, we explore Joshua 3, where the Israelites prepare to cross another significant body of water under the guidance of the Lord. This passage provides a profound example of God’s presence and direction in the lives of His people. It prompts the question: Do you hear His voice in His Word? As you read or listen to Joshua 3, consider how God might be speaking to you through the scriptures today. To explore how God’s actions in our lives can inspire others, read the Daily Devotional on Joshua 2.
What Does Joshua Chapter 3 Teach Us?
Joshua 3 teaches several important lessons: following the Lord even when the path is uncertain, seeking forgiveness and purity before God, tuning in to His purpose, envisioning His plan, obeying His commands, and watching His plan unfold. These principles were as relevant for the Israelites as they are for us today. By aligning our lives with God’s Word, we can navigate the unknown with confidence and trust in His divine guidance.
The practical application from Joshua 3 is clear: immerse yourself in the scriptures daily. By spending time in God’s Word, you open your heart to His voice and guidance. This consistent engagement with the Bible allows God to speak into your life, providing wisdom and direction precisely when it is needed. Embrace the discipline of daily scripture reading and experience the profound impact of God’s Word in your own life.
Joshua 3 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In Joshua 3, Israel is going to cross another body of water, and I share a journal entry of God speaking through His Word. Do you hear His voice in His Word? Please read or listen to Joshua 3.
What Does Crossing the Jordan Symbolize?
In 1995, I wrote, “Crossing the Jordan River lessons: 1) follow the Lord, the ark, when you don’t know where you’re going; 2) seek forgiveness and get clean before God; 3) tune in to God’s purpose; 4) see God’s plan in advance; 5) obey; 6) watch God’s plan unfold.”
Nine years later in 2004, I read Joshua 1-4 on the same day. I already shared that journal entry when we discussed Joshua 1.
Nine years after that, in 2013, I read Joshua 3 and want to share the personal journal entry I had around this chapter. Terry and I were in Grapevine, Texas, the day I read Joshua 3. I wrote in my journal, “My first state convention as International Treasurer. Opened the double doors to the Grand Suite in the Hilton DoubleTree Hotel, and Terry and I were amazed at the room. We are humbled by the treatment, feel a bit undeserving, but very appreciative and thankful. Good to see so many friends and be so graciously welcomed. Lord, use me.”
What is the Lesson of Crossing the Jordan?
I read Joshua 3 and wrote, “So often it is amazing what I am going through and what God has in store for me in His Word. Today begins a new journey for me as International Treasurer and speaking at State and National Conventions. What does God say?” I quoted, “in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before . . . Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (vv. 4-5). Then “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses,” and I put a parenthesis “(a previous International Executive Committee member), ‘so I will be with you’” (v. 7).
The day I read Joshua 3 in 2013, it applied directly to my very circumstances. It was the beginning of a whole new stage of leadership in The Gideons International for me. And what a chapter to read. I wrote my prayer, “Amazed, speechless before You as You meet me right where I am. Thanks for the confidence that You continue to speak into my life. Use me. Anoint the words of my lips. Touch the people through Your humble servant.”
Friends, this happens to me more than I can count. Because I am in the Word of God each and every day, God can meet me in His Word. The same can happen to you, but only if you are in the scriptures daily. I had no idea in Grapevine, Texas, the Word of God would apply so directly to my circumstances that morning. I never know what God is going to share with me in His Word based on the circumstances of my life.
What Important Message could We Learn from the Story of Joshua?
If I do not spend time with Him in His Word, I miss out on what God wants to share with me. The most practical application from Joshua 3 is something that will not surprise you to hear from me. Be in the scriptures each and every day of your life. Does God speak directly to my circumstances every day? O no. But He does when He thinks I need to hear from Him. And that, friends, has been on a regular basis since I became a daily Bible reader at age fifteen.
By recording my journey through the scriptures every day for over thirty-five years, you get some insight into how God speaks to me through His Word. But, I am not special. God will speak to each one of us the same way through His scriptures. I give Him that chance every day of my life. I hope you will too. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the power of Your Word that pierces between soul and spirit. It goes where nothing else can go. Your Word can intervene directly in the circumstances of my life each and every day. And, Holy Spirit, we give You permission to do so. Take Your Word and apply it to our lives. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear what You have for me each and every day through Your Word.
Thank You for the special occasions when it seems to speak directly to what I am going through. Hallelujah! Thank You for loving us so much that You speak to us through Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.
