05/10/2023 - AN ITEM THAT YOU CANNOT LACK

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“Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’” Joshua 1.11

Bible says that the situations experienced by Israel in the Old Testament are examples of what happens to us today: Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come (1 Corinthians 10.11). Therefore, people who are attentive to the facts of the past strengthen themselves in their faith in Christ, and, aware that God has shown His love for His children, drive out the enemy.

The priests and the leaders of the nation were to call on everyone to get ready, because the time to take over Canaan was coming to an end. They could not turn back, but rather, they had to continue steadfast and trusting in God, who had called them to take over the territory promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Now the Most High was handing it over to the descendants of the patriarchs, so they had to honor the call to be the holy and victorious people.

The leaders should tell the people to provide themselves with spiritual food – divine strength – because the material food was already given to them every day – the manna from heaven. However, the provision given by the Lord is undertaken by faith, when one believes in His faithfulness. He is faithful and will never be absent. If we pray with conviction, God will promptly offer us a heavenly banquet (Matthew 7.7,8).

The warning was real! Without the real food that only God gives, they would fail. But with the strength of bread from the Lord, no defeat would befall them. There is nothing better than to listen to the Creator and obey Him, for only He can guide us. Now, the manna came down every day, but the bread of power comes at the right moment, when one begs for it. God will make you a blessing!

Joshua sensed what day he could start the journey and told the people: three days. Those people had the date provided by the Almighty. Now, they had to provide themselves with the food that symbolizes the Bread that would descend from Heaven some 1,500 years later, when He would die in our place to open His Kingdom to mankind. Today, the Christian can only battle if he is in the place established by the guidance given by the Father in His Word. Get ready to cross your Jordan.

The Lord told Joshua that the Israelites would cross the Jordan, and that was almost impossible in those days. It was raining heavily, and that little river was overflowing its banks. However, the people did not question, for they had already witnessed God open the Red Sea and all of Israel pass through on dry feet (Exodus 14.15-31). The Almighty said that such a wonder would happen so that they would know that nothing would rob them of the blessing prepared for those who believe in Him!

Israel had to cross the Jordan at its worst moment, when the waters were pouring over the banks. This way, they would take possession of Canaan. Seek the food that will give you the strength you need to take over the Land of Promise (Luke 11.11,12). He who has more will receive more!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares