LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Tuesday 28th December 2021
LET US FOLLOW AFTER THE LORD
Scripture Reading: Joshua 3
So it was, after three days, that the officers went through the camp; and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it. Joshua 3:2-3
As they readied themselves to cross over the Jordan into the Promised Land, the Lord instructed the people of Israel to follow the ark of the covenant. They were entering into an unknown land and needed help and guidance.
The ark of the covenant represented God’s presence amongst His people. The ark did not take the place of God before Israel. It reminded them of God’s presence with them. As a rule, the ark of the covenant was carried on the shoulders of the priests and the Levites. These were trained to honour God and discern His will for the people.
The lesson we learn from this instruction is that when we set out to do something we have not done before, we must yield to God’s leading and direction.
As the priests carried the ark and walked in the ways of the Lord, the nation experienced victory in all their endeavours. The priests could discern when to stop moving and when to start moving. They could also discern when to turn one way or the other.
In the New Testament, we do not follow the ark of the covenant. We follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. As long as we trust in the Holy Spirit, the Lord will give us victory in all that we do. How do we follow?
• Listen to what God is saying. We must read the Bible and make time to fellowship with the Lord. Pay attention to the inward witness of God’s Spirit within you. Think about what God is saying to you about 2022 and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you His mind concerning you.
• Watch what God is doing. Identify the things that are miraculously happening around you – the doors of opportunity opening to you and the people God is bringing your way. Notice the pattern of events taking place in your life and discern the will of God in all those occurrences.
Present the things that concern you to God in prayer and expect to receive direction concerning His will for you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I surrender myself to your will. Lead me by your Holy Spirit and make your way clear before me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.