What role does faith play in understanding God's message in Joshua 3:9? Gather Around the Word “Then Joshua said to the Israelites, ‘Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.’ ” (Joshua 3:9) Setting the Moment • Israel is camped on the east bank of the Jordan, looking at an overflowing river (Joshua 3:15). • Joshua summons the people to “listen.” This single command links hearing, believing, and acting. • The miracle of the river’s parting will hinge on whether the people treat God’s word as absolutely trustworthy. Faith Opens Ears • True listening is more than hearing sound; it is welcoming truth with confidence. • Romans 10:17: “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Without faith, the words remain information rather than revelation. • Hebrews 4:2 warns that the same message “did not benefit” some “because they were not united with those who heard it in faith.” Faith Anchors Identity • Joshua calls God “the LORD your God,” reminding Israel of covenant relationship. • Faith embraces that identity: He is not a distant deity but “your God,” personally involved and utterly reliable (Deuteronomy 7:9). • This assurance empowers obedience even when circumstances intimidate. Faith Expects God to Act • Joshua proceeds to announce what God will do (Joshua 3:10-13). Faith receives future promises as certain realities. • Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” • The priests will step into floodwaters before they see them part. Faith moves first, sight follows. Faith Produces Obedience • James 2:22 shows that faith “was working together with” action. • Israel’s obedience—shouldering the ark, stepping forward—demonstrates that they truly “listened” in Joshua 3:9. • The waters heap up only after those first wet footsteps (Joshua 3:15-16). Faith Bears Witness • When the riverbed dries, “all Israel crossed over on dry ground” (Joshua 3:17). Their faith displays God’s power to surrounding nations (Joshua 4:24). • 1 Peter 2:9 says believers today are “a people for His own possession” so that we may “proclaim the excellencies” of Him who saves. Bringing It Home • Approach Scripture expecting God to speak personally and truthfully. • Let confidence in His character overcome the flood-level barriers you face. • Act on what He says, knowing the miracle often lies on the other side of obedient faith. |
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