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SETTING THE STAGE

Text: Joshua 3
1 February 2010

SETTING THE STAGE

1. Joshua’s role Joshua 3:1

a) As the successor of Moses

b) As the leader of Israel

c) Leading the way Joshua 3:1

2. The Officers Joshua 3:2

a) Instructions to the people

b) Making reference to the Ark of the covenant Joshua 3:3-4

i) The Ark of the LORD would go ahead of the people Joshua 3:3

ii) They are to keep their distance Joshua 3:4

3. Joshua’s admonition

a) To the people

i) To sanctify themselves Joshua 3:5a

ii) To anticipate with faith what God would do for them Joshua 3:5b

b) To the priests

i) To get ready with the Ark Joshua 3:6a

ii) To be ready to take the lead with the Ark of the Lord Joshua 3:6b

4. God’s Part
“This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying,
‘When you have come to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand in the Jordan.” Joshua 3:7-8

a) Promise to exalt Joshua (to establish him as leader)

b) Ultimately it is about the LORD Himself

i) He was with Moses

ii) He will be with Joshua

c) Command to the priests

i) They will participate in the creating of a miracle

ii) They will part the River Jordan

A SPECIAL SIGN FROM GOD

1. Explanation from Joshua to the children of Israel Joshua 3:9-13

a) God will enable all to cross the River Jordan dry shod Joshua 3:17

b) This will be a sign that He will drive out the Canaanites from the land Joshua 3:10

c) This sign will prove that God was truly in their midst Joshua 3:10

d) The ark of the covenant borne by the priests would go before them Joshua 3:11

2. Fulfilment of this word from Joshua

It all happened as Joshua had explained Joshua 3:14-17

SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS AND PRAYER

1. Events (from the Lord)

a) Promised

b) Fulfilled

These have great significance

2. They serve many purposes

a) They confirm the Presence of the Lord in our midst

b) They confirm that His Promises are faithful and true

c) They strengthen our prayer efforts