“And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
Historical Context: Joshua 3:5 takes place during the time when the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. Moses, the previous leader, had passed away, and Joshua was commissioned by God to lead the Israelites into the land of Canaan.
Sanctify Yourselves: In this verse, Joshua instructs the people to sanctify themselves. To sanctify means to set apart or consecrate oneself for a holy purpose. Joshua recognized the need for the people to purify themselves and prepare their hearts for the extraordinary things that God was about to do among them.
Spiritual Preparation: The act of sanctifying themselves was more than just physical cleanliness; it required a spiritual preparation. Joshua wanted the people to separate themselves from sin and dedicate themselves wholly to God. This involved repentance, prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and maintaining a posture of obedience and faith.
Expectation of God’s Wonders: Joshua assured the people that God would perform wonders among them. This statement reflects Joshua’s faith and confidence in God’s power and faithfulness. The wonders God was about to do included parting the Jordan River, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, similar to the miracle at the Red Sea during the time of Moses (Exodus 14). Joshua’s words encouraged the people to anticipate the supernatural intervention of God in their midst.
Application to our Lives: While Joshua 3:5 was specific to the Israelites preparing to enter the Promised Land, it holds spiritual lessons for believers today:
- Sanctification: We, too, are called to sanctify ourselves and consecrate our lives to God. We should separate ourselves from sin, pursue holiness, and commit to a lifestyle that pleases God.
- Spiritual Preparation: We need to spiritually prepare ourselves through prayer, studying God’s Word, and seeking His guidance. By doing so, we position ourselves to experience God’s wonders and blessings in our lives.
- Expectation of God’s Wonders: Just as Joshua encouraged the Israelites to expect God’s wonders, we should maintain a posture of expectation and faith in God’s power and faithfulness. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
In summary, Joshua 3:5 teaches us the importance of sanctification, spiritual preparation, and having an expectation of God’s wonders in our lives. By setting ourselves apart for God’s purposes and aligning our hearts with His will, we position ourselves to witness His extraordinary works in and through us.
