Joshua 3:3 (NKJV): 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."
The ark of the covenant of the Lord here points us to the Person and work of Jesus. In fact, every detail of the ark gives us a 'picture' of Jesus Himself. For instance, the 'box' of the ark is made of acacia wood, and overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-11). 'Wood' here speaks of 'the humanity of Jesus', and acacia wood is known as an incorruptible wood. This speaks of Jesus' incorruptible humanity, i.e. sinless. 'Gold' here speaks of 'the divinity, or deity of Jesus'.
The lid covering the box is also made of gold. This lid is called 'kapporeth' (Exodus 25:21) in Hebrew, meaning 'mercy seat', from the word 'kaphar', which is 'to cover, to atone, to reconcile, to wash, to cleanse'. As a believer, know that Jesus has become your 'kapporeth' when He died for you on the cross. All your sins have been cleansed and washed away, and therefore you have been atoned (i.e. made 'at-one' with God) and reconciled to God. In other words, Jesus has become your 'covering', and because of this, God remembers your sins no more (Hebrews 10:17).
What is inside the box? There are three things kept inside the box, i.e. the stone tablets (containing the 10 Commandments), Aaron's rod that budded, and the golden pot of manna (see Hebrews 9:4). These are not to be uncovered, because each of these speaks of our sins and rebellion. The stone tablets speaks of man's inability to keep God's law perfectly, for all have sinned and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Aaron's rod that budded speaks of man's rebellion against God's leadership and ways. The golden pot of manna speaks of man's rebellion against God's providence.
After a brief look at the meaning of the 'ark', let's now read Joshua 3:3 again. It says when God's people see this ark, 'they shall set out from their place and go after it'. Notice the words 'go after it'? And you know why? Because it's the ark that 'opens the way for them'! In other words, without the ark, it would have been impossible for them to 'cross over' into their new season (i.e. their Promised Land). Read the Word of God in Joshua chapter 3, and you'll see why! And as Joshua and the people prepared themselves to enter their new season, they were also supposed to let the ark go before them first! (Joshua 3:5-6) Note that this 'ark' speaks of 'Jesus'. Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed, and in the New Testament revealed.
And as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord rest in the waters of the (River) Jordan, the waters were cut off, and rose in a heap very far away at a city called Adam (Joshua 3:13-16). This speaks of 'the curse of sins (of Adam) being reversed' through the work of Jesus Christ at the cross! Today, the same it is for you and me, the believers. When your curse is being reversed, blessing in turn comes (Galatians 3:13). Notice that God's people those days were also about to walk into their blessing (i.e. the Promised Land).
A new season comes with new open doors, and Jesus is also your Door (John 10:9). In fact, the word 'door' in John 10:9 actually means 'opening, entrance way'. So, He is your 'opening', your 'entrance way'! This is a time to look to Him and His hands, not man's (or any worldly organization's) hands. The 'opening, entrance way' that God opens (like in the days of Joshua), no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." Interestingly, the word 'pasture' here in Greek means 'feeding'. When you enter through Him your Door, you'll be 'feeding on every good thing that comes from Him'!
So, people of God, follow the path of the ark! That's what Joshua and the people did as they 'crossed over' into their new season! Keep looking to Him, the 'Beginner' and 'Completor' of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2) This is not a time to waver or doubt! Notice before Joshua entered his new season, God also said these words to him: "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9). Today, He also promises you that 'He'll never (by any means, and no matter what happens) leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5). Amen!
He is the One who opens and leads the way for you. He is also your only firm foundation in the midst of all, even if the whole world is 'shaking' economically or politically. In Joshua's days, the priests who bore the ark stood firm on dry ground in the midst of (River) Jordan, until all the people had crossed over completely into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:17).
Recently, I heard these words: "This is a time to move forward together with God in His dynamics and His energy." See? Not your own dynamics or energy, but His! And yes, like eagles soaring in the dynamics and energy of the wind, today, the wind of the Spirit is blowing too, and as your wings are being mounted, let His wind carry you on, and into greater victories in this new season of yours. Hallelujah!
