Follow, but Not Too Close
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[Joshua's officers] commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it. Yet there shall be a distance between you and it… Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before” (Joshua 3:3-4).
When I was little, we visited a motel that was more like two rows of cabins along the seaside.
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Dad led the way with the flash light and we followed eyes on his legs illuminated by the beam. We could just barely see the path in an oval lit around him. The trick was to stay back far enough to see him and the path, but not too far back to miss whatever directions he was to give us such as, “watch for the rock on the left”, or “it slopes down here be careful”.
The Hebrews had the ark where God came and dwelt amongst them. God gave them instructions, through the leaders, to follow it into the Promised Land – but not too closely. Like my Dad, God knew the path ahead. The Hebrews did not.
Today, Christians have the Holy Spirit to light our path and give us direction. We must follow behind, far enough back to avoid the dangers that lurk out of our view, but close enough to receive instructions and not wander off the path. To learn that fine balance takes time.
Do you ever feel impatient to get where you are being led? I do. Like a child on the beach, I want to dash over the dunes to get to the shore. Wisdom tells me my view is obscured, and to slow down, but my heart wants to race to the good part. But there are lessons to be learned in the journey, and obstacles in the way. The Hebrews learned that the hard way. At times, so do I.
Questions: Are you following God too closely or not close enough?
About the Author Julie Cosgrove
ehc- thanks for your honest response. I was following a huge delivery truck going very slowly down a narrow country lane a few days ago and became frustrated because I could not see around it. I had to trust that driver to brake, curve or head straight. I get that way with God. I want to “see more” of what’s ahead.
Danielle- we all want to get closer to God and should as far as relationships. We just don’t need to feel we are to push him from behind to hurry up. Let Him set the pace.
Love this story. Lack of patience is a stronghold for me. I often want to get to the ocean tide without following the path. Learning to not take the shortcut can be so difficult at times.
This was great–I had never thought of it that way, but a real
truth. Thank you.
It is a fine balance indeed. I am not there, and am praying I’m finding my way. There’s so much more of my life to surrender. Jesus, please help me to let You have YOUR Own way!
how do i kno if im following too close….cause i want to get closer to God.
Today’s devotional really spoke to my heart because I am feeling very impatient to get where I am being led. My spirit is restless for change, but don’t feel clear direction from God on what that change should be. Sometimes I wonder if I am too close or not close enough. Thanks for today’s message.