Today’s devotion comes from Joshua 3:1-6.
“Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and he and all the sons of Israel set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan, and they lodged there before they crossed. At the end of three days the officers went through the midst of the camp; and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God with the Levitical priests carrying it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it. However, there shall be between you and it a distance of about 2,000 cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.”
Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people.” Joshua 3:1-6.
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The ark of the covenant, which led Israel into the Promised Land, contained “tables of the covenant” (among other items) which represented Ten Commandments and more generally all of God’s Word. See, for example, Hebrews 9:4. Verses 4-5 (which are highlighted above in bold italic font) lead us to meditate on how God’s word both leads us and consecrates us.
First, let us consider some Scriptures as to how God’s word leads us.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105.
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Joshua 1:8.
“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11.
“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.” Galatians 3:24.
Praise the LORD!
Second, let us consider some Scriptures as to how God’s word consecrates us.
“How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.” Psalm 119:9.
“… Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:25-27.
“You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” John 15:3.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 