The evening before the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the long awaited Promised Land, Joshua commands them, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you” (Joshua 3.5). Receiving similar instruction when they met with God at Mount Sinai, they were required to wash their garments and bodies and to abstain from sex (Exodus 19.10, 14-15). In anticipation of God’s active work among them, they were required to cleanse themselves according to their rituals.
One of the great truths of the New Testament is we’re no longer bound to the ritual cleansings of the Old Testament—we’re perfectly cleansed by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. However, the principle remains: as we participate with God, we should align ourselves with him. When we do, we experience the transformation of his life-giving way.
Anticipating new paths in 2016, we may need to “reboot” some of our activities and habits. Doing so enables us to focus on God to hear his voice. Perhaps this means reestablishing patterns of quiet time—reading God’s Word and communicating to him in prayer. This may mean eliminating a destructive habit, or reaching out for the first time to get help. Whatever it is, know that God is moving you forward and wants you to follow.
As you invite God into your day, make a list of habits you need to reboot over the next year, whether positive habits needing to be reengaged, or negative ones that need eliminating. Next to each habit, write what you think is the most practical next step to reengage or eliminate that habit. Have the courage to show this list to someone you trust and begin your path of consecration today.
