In Joshua 3 What Does The Act Of Consecration Reveal About Our Relationship With God Before Undertaking Significant Tasks?
Understanding Consecration in Joshua 3: Preparing for God's Work
Joshua 3 stands as a pivotal chapter in Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. As the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River, God instructs Joshua to command the people:
And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves; for to-morrow Jehovah will do wonders among you. - Joshua 3:5 ASV
This call to “sanctify” (or consecrate) themselves is a profound moment, holding deep significance for how believers approach God before embarking on important tasks. Let’s explore what this act of consecration reveals about our relationship with God and its implications for our lives today.
1. Consecration: Setting Apart for God’s Purpose
The Hebrew word translated “sanctify” means to set apart or make holy. This was more than a ritual cleansing; it was a spiritual preparation, a deliberate act of dedicating oneself wholly to God. By calling the people to consecrate themselves, God reminded them that participation in His work requires a heart and life set apart for Him.
Throughout Scripture, God consistently calls His people to be holy:
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am Jehovah your God. - Leviticus 20:7 ASV
Before God does “wonders,” He prepares His people spiritually. Consecration is a response to God’s holiness and a recognition that His purposes are accomplished through those who are yielded to Him.
2. Dependence on God, Not Ourselves
The act of consecration underscores our dependence on God rather than our own abilities. The Israelites could not cross the Jordan by their own strength; it was God who parted the waters. Their role was to humbly prepare themselves, acknowledging their need for God’s intervention.
Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6 ASV
This principle carries into the New Testament, where believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices, wholly surrendered to God’s will:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. - Romans 12:1 ASV
3. Preparation Precedes Participation
God’s pattern is clear: before great works, there is a time of preparation. Consecration is not a guarantee of success by human standards, but it is necessary for aligning ourselves with God’s purposes. This principle is seen throughout Scripture:
- Moses spent forty years in the wilderness before leading Israel (Exodus 3:10 ASV).
- Jesus spent time in prayer before choosing the apostles (Luke 6:12 ASV).
- The early church prayed and fasted before sending out missionaries (Acts 13:2 ASV).
Consecration is an act of humility and obedience, recognizing that spiritual preparation is as crucial as the task itself.
4. Consecration and the Centrality of Christ
For Christians today, consecration finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. We are set apart, not by our own righteousness, but by faith in Jesus:
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption. - 1 Corinthians 1:30 ASV
Our ability to serve and participate in God’s work flows from our relationship with Jesus, who makes us holy and equips us for every good work (Hebrews 13:20-21 ASV).
5. Application: Consecration in the Life of the Believer
Before undertaking any significant task—whether ministry, vocation, marriage, or decision-making—believers are invited to consecrate themselves. This involves:
- Repentance and confession of sin (1 John 1:9 ASV).
- Prayerful surrender to God’s will (Matthew 6:10 ASV).
- Trusting in the power and presence of God rather than self-effort (Zechariah 4:6 ASV).
Consecration is not a one-time event, but a continual posture of the heart—a daily surrender to God’s purposes and a readiness to be used by Him.
Conclusion
The call to consecrate ourselves before significant tasks reveals the holiness of God, our dependence on Him, and the necessity of spiritual preparation. As we set ourselves apart, God is faithful to lead, empower, and accomplish His wondrous purposes through us. The ultimate example and source of our consecration is found in Jesus Christ, who sanctifies and sends us for His glory.