Pick the Right Leader

Three days later the Israelite officers went through the camp, giving these instructions to the people: “When you see the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, move out from your positions and follow them. Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about a half mile behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you don’t come any closer.” (Joshua 3:2-4 NLT)


A woman was driving home one night in really bad weather. It was raining so hard that she could hardly see her way. All she could see were the taillights of cars in front of her. She decided to follow the car in front of her since it seemed it was heading in the same direction she was headed. After driving for a while behind this car, the car suddenly stopped. She wondered what was going on. Why did the car stop? She was concerned that stopping in the middle of the road in such poor visibility was dangerous. Other cars coming behind her might hit her. She became more alarmed when the lights of the car in front of her was turned off and a man got out of the car and headed toward her in the pouring rain. The man came to her window and signaled for her to lower her window. She didn't know what to do. So she lowered her window a bit and asked the man what was going on? Why had he stopped in the middle of the road? The man replied her, " We are not in the middle of the road. We are in my driveway. This is my house." Apparently, this woman had followed the man to his house. She thought she picked the right person to follow but she was wrong.

Much like our story. Everyone is following something or someone. It is a simple law that you are headed in the same destination that whatever you follow is headed. It is good to follow. The bible encourages us to. Just ensure that you are not headed toward a driveway but to your correct destination.

Our text, spoken to the Israelites, illustrates some principles you can adopt in following God's directions for your life. There were three instructions:

1. Look out for the priests and the Ark
2. Follow the priests carrying the ark
3. Move from your positions
4. Keep a clear distance between you and the ark

There is a lot to learn from these instructions. The ark of the covenant represented several things to the Israelites. It was where the presence of God dwelt among them. It also contained the word of God delivered to Moses. So lifting up the ark is exalting God's presence and his word. Following the ark is following the word and the Spirit of God. You are to keep your eyes constantly on the word of God, to search it for directions. You are also to be sensitive to the Spirit of God to move as He moves. They can never lead you In the wong direction. What about the priests? They are to be followed when they were carrying the ark not when they are moving without it. In other words, there are people worthy of being followed. Those who bear the word and the Spirit of God. Imitate those who follow Christ and who through faith and patience obtained the promise of God. A person following Christ and his word and exalting him is safe to follow.

Lastly, keep a safe distance. Of course, this was about the fact that the ark was consecrated and only those specially prepared could touch it or come near it and live. However for us, it means stay reverent as you follow. Watch your steps. Don't rush ahead. Don't be impatient if the ark stops. Don't stay in your position when it moves. Stay in tune with God. Stay aligned with His word. You have not been here before but he has. He is the right leader. He knows the way. He will guide you to the right place - your destination in him.

Decision of the Day

I will follow the word of God and his Spirit. I will get to my destination.