I am not advocating a system of “works” today. I am not saying that a man can be “right” with God via moral living, or whatever. Salvation is given by “Grace,” a freely bestowed and eternal state of right standing before Almighty God.

But still I’d like to use Joshua 3:5 as our Text for the Bible Study this morning. It contains a vital truth about God’s dealings with His people, after they have been saved.

“And Joshua said unto the people, SANCTIFY yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do WONDERS among you.”

Wow!

I am sitting here thinking … perhaps one of the reasons why we no longer see many of God’s “wonders” among us, is that we no longer properly “sanctify” ourselves!

The verb “sanctify” here translates the Hebrew word “qadash,” literally meaning “to prepare, dedicate, consecrate” or even “to set apart” oneself! And it’s an imperative here, a clear and direct command from God to the Israelites!

If God is going to do those mighty wonders … the Jews must prepare themselves, clear all known sin out of their lives!

God even gives them a day’s notice … as if we followers of the Lord should need to be told to live right! What a kind, loving God He is!

And if Israel does so clean herself … God will do what?

“Wonder,” simply spelled “pala” in Hebrew, is translated “hard” things five times in the Bible, but “marvelous” many times more! In fact, twice the word suggests a “performance!” God, if you will allow me to say it reverently, “putting on a show!” To His Glory!

Wow again!

Lesson is over for today.

There may be exceptions to the rule, but here it is in the Bible. The more holy (more godly, more purely) I conduct myself … God is then more apt to do those wondrous acts around me, before me, for me.

And this was true in Joshua’s time even of a Nation!

Amazing!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell