What other scriptures highlight the importance of following God's direction? Setting the Scene: Israel at the Jordan Joshua 3:4 — “But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark—do not go near it, so that you can see the way you should go, for you have never been this way before.” God’s presence moves first; His people follow. That pattern echoes through Scripture. Old Testament Snapshots: God Goes Before • Exodus 13:21-22 — Cloud and fire stay “in front of the people,” guiding every step. • Numbers 9:17-23 — Israel only moves when the cloud lifts; remaining still when He rests. • Deuteronomy 1:30-33 — The LORD “went ahead of you … to show you the way you should go.” • 2 Chronicles 20:12, 17 — “Our eyes are on You.” God responds, “Stand firm and see the salvation of the LORD.” • Psalm 78:52-53 — He leads His flock like sheep and keeps them secure. Wisdom & Worship: Trust His Path • Psalm 23:1-3 — “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.” • Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 — Acknowledging Him in all ways results in straight paths. Prophetic Echoes: Attentive Hearts Required • Isaiah 30:21 — “This is the way; walk in it.” • Isaiah 48:17-18 — The Redeemer directs “in the way you should go.” • Jeremiah 7:23 — “Obey My voice … walk in all the ways that I command you.” New Covenant Clarity: Christ Leads His Church • John 10:3-4 — The Shepherd goes ahead; sheep follow His voice. • John 14:6 — Jesus Himself is “the way.” • Romans 8:14 — “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • Galatians 5:25 — “Let us walk in step with the Spirit.” • James 1:22 — Hearing without doing is self-deception. Obedience Brings Blessing, Neglect Brings Loss • Deuteronomy 28:1-2 — Blessings “will overtake you” if you obey. • Joshua 1:7-8 — Success is tied to doing “all the law … do not turn from it.” • Matthew 7:24-25 — The house that stands is built on hearing and doing Christ’s words. Living the Principle Today • Keep eyes on God’s written Word, our present-day Ark. • Move only when His direction is clear; resist running ahead. • Expect His Spirit to guide in every untraveled place, just as He did at the Jordan. |
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