Resources/Articles
"You Have Not Passed This Way Before"
The title of the article was a command given to the children of Israel relative to the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant represented God. It was to remind them that, as they set out to cross the Jordan, invade, and possess the land, they must do so not in their own strength, but it God’s, for it was God who was going before them as their source of victory. Therefore, Joshua told Israel, “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 3.4).
It serves as a reminder for Christians today. For each of us individually, our need is to fix our eyes upon God and follow him each day. The reason: “For you have not passed this way before.” Let us remember three things, for we “have not passed this way before”:
Plan Purposefully
“Take heed” is a frequent admonition in the scriptures. The wrong advice is always fatal. Wisdom alone is found with God and comes from his word. Look nowhere else. Not only speak as the oracles of God; listen to God’s oracles only. As was recently learned in our adult Bible study, we should be importunate in our prayers for wisdom to God. Prayer should precede everything. It must be our priority (1 Timothy 2.1).
Proceed Positively
Our confidence and hope is God. Do we have faith in his promises? “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4.13). this is not necessarily ensuring success in our desires, or even in being successful, but being able to “do all things” that God has willed to occur. That strength will be needed when God says, “No” when we wanted him to say, “Yes.” It is referring to contentment (Philippians 4.12).
Pursue Persistently
As with seeking God’s counsel, be importunate in your life as a Christian. You have a family; you need them and they need you. Reach out to, rely on, and help one another. Pursuable persistence is characterized by unity, humility, and service (Philippians 2.1-4). Such was the mind of Christ (Philippians 2.5). Let us remember, we have never passed through life before.
