Ye Have Not Passed
This Way Before |
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Elder
Bill Walden (dec) |
Joshua 3:4, “Yet there shall
be a space between you and it (Ark of the Covenant), about
two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that
ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not
passed this way heretofore.”
The children of Israel were to
pass over Jordan. It is good to remember that this
miraculous historical event occurred when the river was at
flood stage, the crossing was to be precisely as God had
commanded Joshua to instruct them, and the Ark of the
Covenant was to be lifted up in view of the people, and they
were to keep it in view from a distance of two thousand
cubits.
In our journey of life we have
all passed through changing scenes, scenes that are new and
strange to us, issues which make us wonder what the
conclusion may be. The children of Israel were in a
situation that was new and strange, but they were told to
keep their eyes on the uplifted Ark where God’s glory dwelt.
We don’t look to the wooden ark, overlaid with gold, but in
all our troubles and trials we look to Jesus, who
understands every sorrow and our sad experiences.
Sometimes in our passage
through life we tend to worry about outcomes which never
come. It is apparent that there is a difference between
legitimate concern and fear. 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath
not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind.” A sound mind will let us do a rational
assessment of our situation and eliminate our diligently
building a bridge when the road we envision may never go
there.
In our times of crises we no
doubt have the sweet privilege of doing what Mary and Martha
did when their brother was seriously ill; they sent for
Jesus, their dear friend. John 11:3, “Therefore his sisters
sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is
sick.” Think of the many times in a day people send for
Jesus in their prayers during sickness and death. He, our
great Physician, knows all about it, but like a loving
parent who loves to grant things to their children, He
delights in answering our prayers.
There are no dark corners on
this earth where the sad and grieving children of God
occupy, that are not seen by Him. Psalm 139:7, “Whither
shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy
presence?” May the sad and weary soul take solace in the
fact that no matter where we are in life, we are in His
presence. Isn’t that a comforting thought?
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