As Joshua prepared the children of Israel to cross over the Jordan river into the promised land, God instructed Joshua that the Levitical Priests should go before the army with the ark on their shoulders. The priests are worshippers, singers and musicians and were the designated carriers of the presence of God. “Joshua also instructed the people to consecrate themselves as the Lord would do wonders among them” (Joshua 3:5). Joshua also told the people, that as soon as they saw the ark of the covenant of the Lord, being carried by the Priests, that they should set out and follow them.
“and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), The waters coming down from above rose up in a heap very far away and the waters flowing down to the sea was completely cut off; and the people passed over opposite Jericho” (Joshua 3:15-16). What is amazing for me to read, is that the Priests did not wait for the waters to be cut off before stepping forward. They stepped forward in faith and as they moved, God dried up the water. They were acting on the evidence of faith not seen.
It is interesting for me the significance which the Levites held in the Old Testament. We also see at other times in scripture, where the worshippers and singers went ahead of an army going into battle. Their worship in advance showed their confidence in God to bring victory. We maintain the understanding that the presence of the Lord goes ahead of us, to secure victory as our worship and praise situates us within the presence of God. Praise is an act of gratitude towards God for his goodness and faithfulness. “to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3).
A.P.-Y.
Devotional Inspirations 
Powerful!
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Amen 🙏🏾
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You make a good point – the Levites didn’t just step forwards boldly. They did so only after they had already prepared, and made themselves right with God, and even then were only acting at the direction of God. Those two are prerequisites to seeing that miracle that came to pass.
It wasn’t a blind hope, but faithful obedience
Andy B
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Bless you. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. 🙏🏾
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You’re welcome my precious sister in Christ
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Joshua commanded the children of Israel to prepare for a three-days’ journey, and that all the men of war should go out to battle. “And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee; only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death; only be strong and of a good courage.” 4aSG 59.1
The passage of the Israelites over Jordan was to be miraculous. “And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.” 4aSG 59.2
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Amen 🙏🏾
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