You have not passed this way before

Pastor Jerry Weller, Orleans Church of Christ

April 24, 2008 04:56 pm

— The Israelites spent many years as slaves in Egypt before Moses led them out. Because they disobeyed the Lord they were punished by wandering for 40 years in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. They became very familiar with the landscape of the wilderness in those 40 years. Then, at the death of Moses, Joshua was selected to lead them into the Promised Land.
Just as they were ready to enter this new land, Joshua reminded them that this was all going to be new to them when he said, “Ye have not passed this way theretofore” (read Joshua 3:1-7).
But we are all like those Israelites, for there are times in our life when we suddenly face something brand new to us, such as:
•Leaving home
•A job loss
•Death of a loved one
•Serious illness
•House fire
•Marriage
•New baby
•Unexpected inheritance
•Church problems
•Becoming a Christian
•Breaking up of a marriage

Joshua’s advice is good for us also. He told the people to follow the ark of God so that “ye may know the way by which ye must go.”
In other words, follow the Lord and never deviate from following Him. No matter which of the above happen to you. No matter how good or bad things will be, always follow the word of the Lord. Practice the teaching of the Lord. Cling to the promises he has made.
The great Apostle Paul, though in prison, told that he had learned to be content with how the Lord guided him and encouraged everyone else to have the same peace with God (Read Phil. 4).
Before going to the cross Jesus prayed that the will of the Heavenly Father be done and he faithfully followed what the Father decided. In the book of Proverbs we are told that it is not in man to guide his own footsteps. So let us look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:1-3).
The Israelites followed as they were told to do. They successfully crossed the flood-swollen Jordan River, defeated the enemies and inherited a wonderful land. You, too, can be as successful if you follow the plan of God.