Following in Unfamiliar Territory
Following in Unfamiliar Territory
Joshua 3:1-6
Life is full of moments where we are forced to step into places we have never been before. These moments often bring uncertainty, discomfort, and even fear. In Joshua 3:1-6, the nation of Israel finds itself in such a moment. Having come out of Egypt, passed through the Red Sea, and wandered in the wilderness, they now stand at the edge of the Jordan River facing yet another unfamiliar step in their journey (Joshua 3:1–6).
What makes this moment even more significant is not just the path, but the change in leadership and direction. Israel had grown accustomed to following Moses and the visible guidance of a cloud (Exodus 13:21-22). Now, they are called to follow Joshua and the ark of the covenant (Joshua 3:3). The method has changed, the leadership has changed, and the territory is unfamiliar, but God has not changed (Malachi 3:6).
This is the nature of the Christian life. We are constantly being led into situations we have never experienced before (2 Corinthians 5:7). Whether it is transitioning from one stage of life to another, adjusting to new responsibilities, or facing seasons of hardship and loss, the believer must learn how to follow God in unfamiliar territory (Proverbs 3:5-6).
It may be like moving from school into adulthood, from one job to another, from being single to being married, or from being a child to becoming a parent. It may even be as serious as walking through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). In every case, the principle remains the same—we must learn to follow.
Following the Standard (vs. 3)
First, we see the importance of following the standard bearer. In Joshua 3, the ark of the covenant was the standard, and the Levites were the ones who bore it (Joshua 3:3). The people were not free to choose their own direction; they were commanded to follow what God had established. The ark represented the presence and authority of God (Exodus 25:22), and the Levites carried the burden of that testimony (Numbers 4:15).
For the Christian today, our standard is the word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), and faithful leadership that rightly handles the Scriptures (Hebrews 13:7, 17). We are not navigating life based on our feelings or opinions; we are following a fixed standard that does not change, even when everything around us does (Psalm 119:89).
Follow with Space (vs. 4)
The Israelites were commanded to keep a distance of 2,000 cubits (1/2 mile or 1,000 yards) between themselves and the ark (Joshua 3:4). This distance ensured that the ark could be clearly seen and that it would be treated with reverence. It also prevented the people from getting too close and mishandling something holy, as seen in the example of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
Spiritually, this teaches us to avoid falling too far behind, like Peter in John 18:15-16, or running ahead of God, like Ahimaaz in 2 Samuel 18:23. In part, Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD…” The balance is to follow closely, but properly by faith and obedience (Romans 10:17).
Follow in Sanctification (vs. 5)
Finally, the passage emphasizes the necessity of sanctification. Before God would do wonders among the people, they were commanded to sanctify themselves (Joshua 3:5). This involved preparation, separation, and examination (Exodus 19:10-11, 15; 2 Timothy 2:21).
Sanctification is not optional for those who desire to follow God effectively (1Thessalonians 4:3). It is the process by which we set ourselves apart for his use. When we are prepared, we position ourselves to witness God’s power at work. The wonders of God often appear in the form of opened pathways (Joshua 3:14-17), removed obstacles (Joshua 6:20), and defeated enemies (Joshua 10:8-14), but they always follow obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1–2).
Unfamiliar territory is not something to fear when we are following God properly (Isaiah 41:10). Our confidence is not in the path itself, but in the one who leads us through it (Psalm 48:14). When we follow the right standard, maintain the proper distance, and live a sanctified life, we can move forward with assurance (Hebrews 11:8). God will provide the strength we need for the work we have never done (2 Corinthians 12:9), and he will lead us safely through places we have never been (Psalm 32:8).
Joshua 3:1-6
Life is full of moments where we are forced to step into places we have never been before. These moments often bring uncertainty, discomfort, and even fear. In Joshua 3:1-6, the nation of Israel finds itself in such a moment. Having come out of Egypt, passed through the Red Sea, and wandered in the wilderness, they now stand at the edge of the Jordan River facing yet another unfamiliar step in their journey (Joshua 3:1–6).
What makes this moment even more significant is not just the path, but the change in leadership and direction. Israel had grown accustomed to following Moses and the visible guidance of a cloud (Exodus 13:21-22). Now, they are called to follow Joshua and the ark of the covenant (Joshua 3:3). The method has changed, the leadership has changed, and the territory is unfamiliar, but God has not changed (Malachi 3:6).
This is the nature of the Christian life. We are constantly being led into situations we have never experienced before (2 Corinthians 5:7). Whether it is transitioning from one stage of life to another, adjusting to new responsibilities, or facing seasons of hardship and loss, the believer must learn how to follow God in unfamiliar territory (Proverbs 3:5-6).
It may be like moving from school into adulthood, from one job to another, from being single to being married, or from being a child to becoming a parent. It may even be as serious as walking through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). In every case, the principle remains the same—we must learn to follow.
Following the Standard (vs. 3)
First, we see the importance of following the standard bearer. In Joshua 3, the ark of the covenant was the standard, and the Levites were the ones who bore it (Joshua 3:3). The people were not free to choose their own direction; they were commanded to follow what God had established. The ark represented the presence and authority of God (Exodus 25:22), and the Levites carried the burden of that testimony (Numbers 4:15).
For the Christian today, our standard is the word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), and faithful leadership that rightly handles the Scriptures (Hebrews 13:7, 17). We are not navigating life based on our feelings or opinions; we are following a fixed standard that does not change, even when everything around us does (Psalm 119:89).
Follow with Space (vs. 4)
The Israelites were commanded to keep a distance of 2,000 cubits (1/2 mile or 1,000 yards) between themselves and the ark (Joshua 3:4). This distance ensured that the ark could be clearly seen and that it would be treated with reverence. It also prevented the people from getting too close and mishandling something holy, as seen in the example of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
Spiritually, this teaches us to avoid falling too far behind, like Peter in John 18:15-16, or running ahead of God, like Ahimaaz in 2 Samuel 18:23. In part, Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD…” The balance is to follow closely, but properly by faith and obedience (Romans 10:17).
Follow in Sanctification (vs. 5)
Finally, the passage emphasizes the necessity of sanctification. Before God would do wonders among the people, they were commanded to sanctify themselves (Joshua 3:5). This involved preparation, separation, and examination (Exodus 19:10-11, 15; 2 Timothy 2:21).
Sanctification is not optional for those who desire to follow God effectively (1Thessalonians 4:3). It is the process by which we set ourselves apart for his use. When we are prepared, we position ourselves to witness God’s power at work. The wonders of God often appear in the form of opened pathways (Joshua 3:14-17), removed obstacles (Joshua 6:20), and defeated enemies (Joshua 10:8-14), but they always follow obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1–2).
Unfamiliar territory is not something to fear when we are following God properly (Isaiah 41:10). Our confidence is not in the path itself, but in the one who leads us through it (Psalm 48:14). When we follow the right standard, maintain the proper distance, and live a sanctified life, we can move forward with assurance (Hebrews 11:8). God will provide the strength we need for the work we have never done (2 Corinthians 12:9), and he will lead us safely through places we have never been (Psalm 32:8).
Posted in Discipleship, Faith, Faithfulness, Obedience, Patience, Trusting God, Words of God
Posted in Discipleship, Words of God, faith, patience, trust, Warfare, Christianity
Posted in Discipleship, Words of God, faith, patience, trust, Warfare, Christianity
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