“Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over. 2 So it was, after three days, that the officers went through the camp; 3 and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it. 4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.” Joshua 3:1-4 NKJV
Father of new mornings,
Thank you that every morning is new with fresh hope and love and Your mercy. Even though here we are again with the children of Israel paused at a river wondering how they would get across. Perhaps they remembered the story their parents told them about crossing another different river when they left Egypt? Only two people would actually remember that – Caleb and Joshua.
But You do not need to do things the same way Lord. You are creative and show Your power though another water parting miracle! With Moses the staff represented Your command through Moses for the water to part. Here the ark of the covenant – the symbol of Your presence with them went first And the water itself drew back before You God.. They were to follow a little behind. How symbolic. Following You carefully not trying to rush ahead or assume the way. They had to wait, look and follow. Then they had their own testimony of Your miraculous power and provision of a dry crossing..
I can think of no better lesson Lord. Whatever life throws at us, whatever deep water is to be passed through, or mountain climbed,. We should look for You, wait upon You and follow where You lead. We too will see and have our own miracles to attest to Your provision and way forward. Thank You that You are with us always as we too have not passed this way before.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 4th March 2026
I limit this hymn to about once a year – but sometimes a rousing familiar hymn is needed to lift us to praise.
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more,
feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
be Thou still my strength and shield,
be thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell’s Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to Thee,
I will ever give to Thee.
Lyrics: William Williams translated by Peter Williams