2022, is it the Year we are to get ready on our road across the Jordan, to get to the other side?
On 19-21 October 2007, I took my three Pastors away for the weekend to hear God and to plan for the New Year for the Church. There was a stirring in my heart, that Jesus was going to speak clearly to us for our new season/year. It was early on the Saturday morning (20 Oct ‘2007), I was in my devotions reading the Bible in Joshua Chapter 3. Verse 1 = “early in the morning”. Verse 2 = “After three days the officers went throughout the camp…” As I read those words, I felt God speak to me: In 3 days (months), you are to hand over the Church to another leader!
It was quite a shock as I was not expecting that word. God keeps His Word and Promises. Literally to the date, 20 January 2008, 3 months later, my wife and I transitioned Wineskins Church to another couple.
Almost 14 years later in Jan 2022, God took me back to the same text in Joshua to preach a message this last weekend to a Church in another city. What follows are more than a few thoughts that were highlighted and shared with God’s people. Three comments:
— “The greatest place to be in, is where God wants you to be!”
— “God does not go back on His Word. He keeps His Promise!”
— “He wants you and I to be in our Promised Lands.” Ron Naidoo
POINTERS TO YOUR DESTINATION IN 2022 (See Joshua 3)
Promised Land: “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” (Josh 1:3 NIV)
“As I promised Moses…” God is a faithful God. He keeps His Word and His Promises. It is such a comforting thought and an encouragement. Has God given you a promise in that past? One needs to hang onto those words and promises of the Lord. They shall come to pass in His time.
Power: “I will give you every place where you set your foot.” (Joshua 1:3a NIV)
As believers we may sometimes not realise the power God has placed in us. We very quickly settle into our own comfort zones and do not move. It is time we step out in faith, trust God and take hold of the place He has prepared for us.
Point in the day: “Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.” (Joshua 3:1 NIV).
Early in the morning. As we go through the Gospels, we often find that Jesus goes out early or very early in the morning to spend time in solitude (See Mark 1:35). Perhaps it is a most helpful habit for us for our devotions as we spend time seeking His face as a priority for our day.
Perfect Time: “After three days the officers went throughout the camp…” (Joshua 3:2 NIV)
In 3 days. God is never early, never late, His timing is always perfect. My story was from 14 years ago. Today, this week, month or year could be God’s Perfect Time for a Word promised to you to come to pass. Live in faith and expectation! God is NOT a liar! It’s not in your time, it is in His time!
Point of Focus: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God…” (Joshua 3:3a NIV)
Ark = Presence of God. The Ark speaks of the Presence of God. In a busy world, we face many distractions daily. We may sometimes lose our focus. It is so important for us to stop, readjust our focus and this will help our direction and momentum as we advance on our journey in 2022.
Presence of God: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it…Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.” (Joshua 3:3,7 NIV)
It is so comforting to know that God has a great love for you and I. He wants to be with you. Jesus is quite emphatic with His words, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mt 28:20. Always remember on your road across your ‘Jordan’, that you have Jesus with you. This will give you great security, comfort and confidence.
Priests (Leaders): “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it…” (Joshua 3:3 NIV)
It is so important for our Leaders to set the lead and example and to step out so others may follow. Parents, Priesthood of all believers (See 1 Peter 2:9), do not become complacent. If God has called you to be a leader, do not negate your responsibility. Take the lead, your children and others are looking to you to start the journey. You can do it!
Positional change: “you are to move out from your positions…” (Josh 3:3b NIV)
The pandemic faced by the world in over two years has placed many in comfort zones and settled positions. It may not be where God wants you to be. He calls you to come forth and advance to the place He has prepared for you. Go for it!
Path unfamiliar: “Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.” (Josh 3:4a NIV).
The road ahead may not be familiar to you. Simply because you have not been this way before. However, take comfort in knowing that Jesus is before you, with you, behind you and knows the route.
Prepare yourself: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” (Joshua 3:5 NIV).
Consecrate. It is time to make right before God. Get ready for your trip. All was not lost in the last two years. God will restore. To those who felt they lost much, God will Promote, reward and honour (See Josh 3:7; 4:14).
OBSTACLES IN YOUR JOURNEY
There are many obstacles one may face daily in life. Obstacles, tests, trials and crises may come your way to strengthen, mature and prepare you for your trip. Some common obstacles faced by many:
- Fear (See Josh 3:15);
- Floods (storms, tests, trials) (See Joshua 3:15);
- Doubt & Disbelief;
- Disobedience (See Joshua 3:15);
- Faith, Lack of. (See Joshua 3:6).
You may still come across other obstacles/distractions on your road across your Jordan. Do not allow the enemy to rob you in any way. Always remember that Jesus wants to take you to get to the other side of 2021 and through 2022!
Proceed ahead: “’Take up the Ark of the Covenant and pass on ahead of the people.’ So they took it up and went ahead of them.” (Joshua 3:6 NIV). May the Holy Spirit empower and guide you onwards!
Prayer: Father I come to you in the name of Jesus. I lift up every person reading this message and their families and others too, Lord. I thank you that you are with them, your hand, favour and anointing is upon them. I thank you that you would stir their faith. They would shrug off the past and get onto the road you have prepared for them. As they advance across the Jordan, all fear dissipates. They would reach the end of 2022 with testimonies of great things you have done in their lives and journey. Lord I pray abundant success and blessings upon them. Amen.
Ronnie Naidoo (Pastor – South Africa)