Ye Have Not Passed This Way Before

 

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?