In Joshua 3, the people of Israel stood at the Jordan river looking at the Promised Land that God had promised for generations. They had not yet marched around Jericho. They hadn’t faced any giants in the new land. They were simply standing there between what has been and what will be. It’s a moment we’ve all stood in. It’s the start of something new and different. In that moment of anticipation, Joshua said, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (ESV). He didn’t tell them to strategize. He didn’t tell them to sharpen their weapons either. He simply said to consecrate yourselves.
I love this moment and what God was asking them to do. Before there would be any victories or amazing things done by God, the people would have to consecrate themselves. That means that they would dedicate their whole selves to God, set themselves apart from the way others lived and to present themselves to God as a living sacrifice. To consecrate yourself is to clear away things from your life and to make room for God so He can fill it. It’s a spiritual posture that says, “I put aside my plans for what’s ahead and make myself available for what you want to do next.” It takes a moment of uncertainty and gives God permission to direct us where He wants to lead us. It puts both what’s ahead and what is being left behind in His hands.
I believe we are standing in a threshold moment of what has been and what will be. God says in Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Today is a day of consecration where we let go of the former things and embrace the new things God wants to do. Consecration starts with surrender. What do you need to lay down before you step into the Jordan? Seek God today on what that is and then let it go. When we trust Him with all of our heart, He will direct our paths. God will always bring clarity where we bring surrender and consecration.
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 