The crossing of the Jordan River, like its antecedent at the Red Sea, was a significant milestone in the exodus of the Israelites. One day before this miraculous act of God, Joshua’s command rang throughout their camps: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.â€
The leaders of the Israelites commanded a nationwide consecration before crucial events. They did it before the gathering beneath Mount Sinai, where the people were to meet with God. Here, at the River Jordan, they did it when God wished to manifest His power among His people. Consecration is necessary whenever an encounter involves the majestic, most holy, divine Creator and humans, who by nature are prone to sin.
On the banks of the Jordan, God’s presence among the people depended upon it. In obedience they consecrated themselves. In so doing they became vessels worthy to fulfill the will of God. They enabled the Lord to do amazing things among them.
These words of Joshua are just as applicable to us today. Have there been times where you feel that God is unreachable? Or that God is not working with you as you do sacred work? Before beginning to ask, Why God...? let’s first ask, have we consecrated ourselves? Sometimes, a barrier exists between God and us because we have strayed from Him--deliberately at times, unknowingly at others.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded†(Jas 4:8). Experiencing closeness to God requires initiation on our part. By taking the first step of consecrating ourselves, we will see how the Lord will do amazing things among us.
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