Daily Devotional for Monday, September 5

Preparation for the Crossing

God had led the Israelites through forty years of wandering in the wilderness while teaching them and preparing them for their life in the Promise Land. At the brink of the crossing, Joshua challenged the people of Israel to sanctify themselves before they crossed over. God had promised a beautiful land and a bountiful life with Him, but first, they had to prepare themselves for all that God would do. 

Once inside Canaan, the Israelites would be confronted with wickedness, the like of which they had not seen. They would be enticed to partake in idol worship and lured away by the possessions of the land. Therefore, God would require them to consistently sanctify themselves for His purposes and for His glory. 

Following God in present times is not altogether different than what ancient Israel experienced. You and I are faced with worldly temptations and lusts of the flesh that can easily draw us away from God. Satan tries often to tempt us to sin and lure us by our own lusts so that he can draw us away from a sweet fellowship with God. 

Just as the people of Israel needed to sanctify themselves unto God so that He would do wonders among them, you and I must also diligently choose to be separated from this world and sanctified unto God. We are faced with idols and temptations that can deter us from God’s plan for our lives. If we are to please God and become vessels of honor, we must sanctify ourselves unto Him. Then, we can stand still and watch what He will do in our lives.

REFLECTION: God can do a great work through your life if you will first set yourself apart for His use.

Steven Ridings