This past Sunday, I spoke from Joshua 3:1-5. Israel was getting ready to enter the Promised Land.

The final command of Joshua prior to crossing the Jordan River was to “consecrate yourselves.” (Joshua 3:5)

This word “consecrate” sounds ominous. It means to be “set apart for service to a deity.” Or in some cases it means to make something an object of honor or veneration. (The word veneration means to regard something as “holy” or to treat it with reverence.)

The command to consecrate yourself indicated that each one was to begin to think of themselves as being set aside for the purposes of God. They were to consider themselves as “holy” or to think of themselves with reverence and respect because they were now objects dedicated to the purposes of God.

Consecrating yourself was something only they could do. Joshua nor any of the elders could do it for them. It wasn’t a group effort. It was up to each one to determine they were going to be dedicated to the purposes of God.

For some it meant getting rid of their idols. For others it meant repenting of grumbling and murmuring. Some just needed a spiritual bath. Life had been tough and came with lots of challenges. It had hardened them and perhaps caused them to be callused to the voice of God.

Crossing the Jordan River and entering the Promised Land was a new season for Israel. Their lives were going to change. No more wilderness; no more manna; no more hot sun of the desert or cold desert nights. This was a new day.

We too are entering a new season. In some ways, every day is a new season. The command to consecrate yourselves is good advice for every day. It’s not just something we do on Sundays. It’s something we should do every day.

I love the promise made to them about why they needed to consecrate themselves. “For tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”

I wonder what amazing thing God wants to do? I’m in……you in?

Always in Pursuit!

Don