Crossing the Jordan - Joshua 3:1 - 4:24

Crossing the Jordan - Joshua 3:1 - 4:24

"Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."

Expectation.  Hope.  Preparation.

Imagine what the Israelites might have thought as they heard Joshua tell them these words.  Did they even begin to imagine that great thing that God was going to do?  Certainly, they'd heard tales of how God had divided the Red Sea for their parents and grandparents... but was He also going to perform a miracle for this generation?

I find it interesting that Joshua tells the people to consecrate themselves for this miracle.  He wants them to be prepared... to have set themselves apart... to have purified themselves.

I fear that too often Christians expect God to "do amazing things" among us, while at the same time failing to prepare ourselves.  We don't consecrate ourselves, we don't purify ourselves from sin and distractions, we don't do anything to get ready.

Instead, we face the temptation to stumble out of bed and hurriedly rush around to make it to church on time with no time for prayer or devotion.  Or we waltz into church as though it's a social event... to disrupt worship by sharing our tidbits of news... to get distracted by the ball game we hope to attend as soon as the long-winded preacher winds up!  :) 

So today I just I wonder if it's possible that we miss out on some amazing things that God wants to do... simply because we aren't prepared for them.

Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes; illumine me,
Spirit divine.
                                - Clara H. Scott