How can we apply the priests' example of carrying the ark in our lives? The Moment at the Jordan “Then Joshua told the priests, ‘Pick up the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.’ So they carried it and went ahead of them.” (Joshua 3:6) What the Priests Actually Did • Obeyed immediately—no delay, no debate (Joshua 3:6) • Bore the visible symbol of God’s holy presence (Exodus 25:22) • Stepped first into flood-stage waters, trusting God to act (Joshua 3:13) • Stood firm until every Israelite had crossed safely (Joshua 3:17) Timeless Truths Embedded in Their Example • God chooses people to bear His presence in front of others. • Faith-driven obedience precedes visible miracles. • Leadership means getting your feet wet before anyone else. • Holy things must be carried in holy lives (Numbers 4:15). How We “Carry the Ark” Today 1. Carry His Presence • We are “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9); the Spirit now indwells us (1 Corinthians 6:19). • Walk into each day conscious that we host the living God. 2. Carry His Word • The tablets of the covenant lay inside the ark (Deuteronomy 10:5). • Let Scripture dwell richly in us (Colossians 3:16) so that conversations, choices, and counsel drip with truth. 3. Step Out First • The water did not part until the soles of the priests’ feet hit the river (Joshua 3:13). • Act on God’s commands before circumstances look safe—sharing the gospel (Matthew 28:19), forgiving an enemy (Luke 6:27), giving generously (2 Corinthians 9:7). 4. Stand Firm for Others • Priests remained midway until “all Israel had crossed on dry ground” (Joshua 3:17). • Intercede persistently (1 Timothy 2:1–2), mentor younger believers (Titus 2:3–7), stay faithful so others find footing. 5. Live Consecrated Lives • Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5). • Reject hidden sin, cultivate purity (James 4:8), because holy cargo demands holy carriers. Everyday Application Checklist □ Begin mornings acknowledging God’s indwelling presence. □ Memorize or meditate on at least one verse to “carry” through the day. □ Take a faith step you’ve delayed—initiate reconciliation, volunteer, witness. □ Pray by name for those following behind you—family, friends, church. □ End the day with a quick heart check: Did I handle the ark—God’s presence and Word—with reverence? Encouragement for the Journey We bear a treasure “in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). The same God who pushed back the Jordan still goes ahead of His people. Keep the ark on your shoulders; others will find dry ground because you chose to step in first. |
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