S) "4 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."
Joshua 3:4 (NASB)
O) This verse is a little disjointed, I think because of the literal translation of the NASB, making the punctuation a little bit choppy. In more dynamic translations, it makes a little more sense. For example, in NIV, the same verse says,
"4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it."
What comes across are two major points. First, God is holy. He is holy, and perfect, and dangerous, and pure, and powerful, and we cannot approach Him in our sinfulness, even though we might strive to follow Him. Even though we are looking for Him to direct our paths, we can only follow at a distance. Second, God is adventurous. I've endeavored to explore unknown parts a few times over the years. Sometimes afoot in the woods, sometimes in a car in a city. It can be a little dangerous, and stressful, but ultimately exciting. There are usually calculated risks involved, but the element of risk is crucial to making it an adventure. I have, on many more occasions, followed someone else into an unknown area. This, to me, is the best kind of adventure - the kind with a guide. There's the excitement of the unknown, but there is the comfort of the leader being at hand. I don't know what I'm doing, but He does.
"4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it."
What comes across are two major points. First, God is holy. He is holy, and perfect, and dangerous, and pure, and powerful, and we cannot approach Him in our sinfulness, even though we might strive to follow Him. Even though we are looking for Him to direct our paths, we can only follow at a distance. Second, God is adventurous. I've endeavored to explore unknown parts a few times over the years. Sometimes afoot in the woods, sometimes in a car in a city. It can be a little dangerous, and stressful, but ultimately exciting. There are usually calculated risks involved, but the element of risk is crucial to making it an adventure. I have, on many more occasions, followed someone else into an unknown area. This, to me, is the best kind of adventure - the kind with a guide. There's the excitement of the unknown, but there is the comfort of the leader being at hand. I don't know what I'm doing, but He does.
A) I want to take two roles here, as a follower and a leader. I want to follow God into adventures. Over and over, throughout the whole of the Bible, the LORD calls men into adventures of unknown regions, where He leads on ahead of them. He calls to them from within the adventure. I want to answer that call again and again, willing to take the risks He's presenting because I have the comfort of knowing that He will guide me through parts unknown. And I also want to lead my family on adventures. Physical adventures are fun, but I really mean spiritual, eternally-impactful adventures. I want to be the first to jump, and show them that it's safe because we're following where the LORD is going before us.
P) Father, embolden me to follow and lead. I want to rediscover an adventure. I don't know how that looks, but I know that I want it. Where You go, I want to go. The wife You've given me, Father, she is exceedingly good. I know, because she's proven it, that she is willing to follow where I lead, when she knows You're leading me. And my kids, help me to raise them, even at their current age, to trust and do the same. To realize that there is no better life than one that chases after You with reckless abandon. That's what I want to exemplify to them, that's what I want them to experience growing up into adulthood. Reveal the path to me, LORD. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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