Impact - Day 18

Day 18 – Ready

Joshua 1:10-2:1  Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel, “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you.”

Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He told them, “Remember what Moses, the servant of the LORD, commanded you: ‘The LORD your God is giving you a place of rest. He has given you this land.’ Your wives, children, and livestock may remain here in the land Moses assigned to you on the east side of the Jordan River. But your strong warriors, fully armed, must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory. Stay with them until the LORD gives them rest, as he has given you rest, and until they, too, possess the land the LORD your God is giving them. Only then may you return and settle here on the east side of the Jordan River in the land that Moses, the servant of the LORD, assigned to you.”

They answered Joshua, “We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us. We will obey you just as we obeyed Moses. And may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous!”

Then Joshua secretly sent out two spies from the Israelite camp at Acacia Grove. He instructed them, “Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho.” So the two men set out…

In the book The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg describes keystone actions. The formation of these habits positively correlates to the adoption of other great habits. For example, data shows that making your bed each morning predicts your arrival at work on time. Preparation suggests follow-through.

Last week, we discussed micromovements, a small step towards accomplishing an important task. Is the single most crucial micromovement the act of getting ready? Clearing your desk for an important meeting, finding the right shoes for a hike, packing the car for a trip; these bits of momentum are required to accomplish your task. Without them, we are stuck in the paralyzation of unrealized hopes.

The Israelites have been turning in circles in the desert, waiting to shed their past mistakes. They have been stuck for forty years, lodged between their expectations and disappointment, between hope and despair. That isn’t easy to overcome. The massive, immobilized encampment of wanderers will require micromovements if they ever hope to cross the Jordan River.

Realize the fresh air Joshua's words and actions blow into the lives of these nomads. He gives simple directions that break the inertia and shake the rust free. “Get your provisions ready,” he instructs. Make your bed. Find your shoes. Pack your lunch. We are going to work. In three days, we will cross the Jordan River. The mood is bright. The warriors are excited and ready. The people pledge to follow Joshua’s lead and urge him to be bold, strong, and courageous. 

Finally, borrowing from Moses's example, Joshua appoints two spies to cross the Jordan to scout the imposing city of Jericho, which lies directly on the other side. This move may seem curious. Surely Joshua realizes it will be the power of God that gives them the land. Why the need for planning, preparation, or strategy? Just pray and let God do His thing, right? No, he will give God every ounce of his energy, brightest thinking, and careful, purposeful planning. Joshua is fully engaged in the cause of God. 

There are direct parallels between God’s movement from Sinai across the Jordan and the journey of God’s people today. It is easy to feel that the church is stuck and hopeless. Sometimes, I wonder if we are going forward or backward. This is a matter of prayer. But it is also a call to preparation, to make our bed, send out some spies, and get ready. We know that God is up to something. And He invites our involvement. He takes joy in our best efforts. Our participation in the cause of God starts with single steps, micromovements. These steps add together and change the earth on which we walk. Our simple preparation makes an impact.

1. Compared to those around you, does it take you more or less time to get ready to “go?” Why do you think that is?
2. What are some of your best habits? How do they make your life easier or better?
3. What is a habit you would like to adopt? Is there a habit you would like to break? How are you planning to do that? What would you like to say to Jesus about these things?