What does Joshua 4:16 teach about trusting God's timing and instructions? Setting the scene • Israel has just crossed the Jordan on dry ground (Joshua 3–4). • The priests are still standing mid-river, holding the Ark. • Stones are being gathered for a memorial. Only after every task is finished does the Lord speak the next step. Joshua 4:16—The simple command “Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come up from the Jordan.” One short sentence—yet it shows how God’s people learn to trust His timing and His voice. Trusting God’s timing • The priests entered the water first (Joshua 3:13); they leave last (4:16). • They remained in place “until everything the LORD had commanded Joshua was done” (4:10). • God’s timing often asks us to wait while He completes a larger purpose. • Scripture echoes this rhythm: – “For everything there is an appointed time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) – “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son.” (Galatians 4:4) • Waiting in obedience keeps us positioned for the next move of God. Trusting God’s instructions • The directive is clear: “Command…come up.” No options, no improvisation. • Obedience protects the nation; the river will not close until the priests obey (4:18). • Other examples of precise obedience: – Noah built the ark “as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). – At Jericho, Israelites march exactly as instructed (Joshua 6:2–5). – Naaman is healed only after dipping seven times as told (2 Kings 5:14). • Trust grows when we act on God’s Word even before we see results. Lessons for today • Stay where God has placed you until He says move. • God’s timing is perfect; rushing or lagging both hinder blessing. • Clear biblical commands are not suggestions; safety and victory lie in submission. • The bigger picture—crossing a river, building a memorial, preparing for conquest—unfolds one step at a time. Supporting Scripture snapshots • Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” • Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” • John 2:4–5: Jesus waits for His “hour,” yet servants obey Mary’s instruction, positioning them for the miracle. Living it out • Ask: “Am I standing faithfully in my ‘Jordan’ until God’s next word?” • Review God’s past faithfulness—He stopped the river; He will start it only at the right moment. • Act promptly on any clear command from Scripture today; delayed obedience is disobedience. • Encourage others who are waiting—remind them that God never forgets those holding the Ark in the riverbed. |
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