The Unknown

Introduction

Four year anniversary of adoption.

The intimidation! What do I know about parenting? Youngest. Nieces.

But, God’s calling for these boys.

God will call us into the unknown, but...

All things are known to God.

Joshua and Israel were being called into a land that was unknown to them.

This required them to focus even more on having faith in the Omniscient God.

Trust God’s Character

vv. 1-6

The Ark is the central icon in this passage. Presence.

Follow it. God has a plan and there is always a reason!

Especially when we enter into the unknown. v. 4! “Not passed this way before.”

A literal and spiritual meaning to this phrase! This generation has done nothing but follow.

Why we must follow God.

There is no such thing as unknown to God.

But, as we follow God, we must be reminded of God’s otherness. He is holy.

This call to stay 2,000 cubits back as they follow. Around a half mile.

We must balance God’s transcendence and God’s imminence.

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

This is why we watch what God is doing, we listen for what He wants us to do, and then we follow His plan.

Trust God’s Protection

vv. 7-13

Stand still in the Jordan (v. 8). Crazy! Flood stage (v. 15)!

The priests are called to take the ark into the Jordan (v. 11).

And when the soles of the feet… They had to take action.

Human action is required to follow God’s plan.

Calls us to move. It is our job to go!

Only when we begin to faithfully follow Him will we see God clear the way.

This is when the waters will heap (Exodus motif).

They had to trust that God was working and would protect them as they moved forward.

A big challenge met by an infinite God.

James 2:26 ESV

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Trust God’s Plan

vv. 14-17

When did God’s protection revealed? When their soles hit the water (v. 15).

As their feet hit the flooded river, it completely subsided. How did they choose those priests?

It happened at Adam, 20 miles upstream. 7 - 10 mph. Two hours prior God put His plan into action.

He took into account their timing and even their hesitancy.

God’s perfect plan includes perfect timing.

His timing, not yours.

Before you even start, God’s already been at work.

This should fuel our confidence.

God’s plan for you in evangelism, ministry, family.

God’s already working.

Conclusion

What is God calling you to do that is unknown? Intimidating? Impossible?

2021 is a year of challenges and changes. It embodies the concept of the unknown.

God isn’t surprised.

He’s already working.

And He’s working to prepare the way for you.