SCRIPTURE: JOSHUA 3
BIBLE VERSES:
“Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” (Joshua 3:5)
“And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’” (Joshua 3:7)
CROSSING THE JORDAN (vs. 1-17)
Joshua led all the people by setting west from Shittim to JOrdan. The priests took up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people, and the people had to choose 12 men from each tribe of Israel. When the priest set foot on the Jordan River, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap and the water from the Salt Sea was completely cut off. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the JOrdan while all Israelites passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry land.
THOUGHTS:
God led and opened the way for the Israelites to cross the Jordan. The priests had to get their feet wet before they could cross over. It took great faith for them to walk in through the water. If you are facing an unknown future, remember that we need the Lord’s presence as we step out each day. Follow His direction without fear. Walk with God and trust in His promises.
The ark symbolized the power and presence of God. The ark went befor ethe people and was kept in the midst of the river until all the nation had passed over. We must also let Christ open the way to lead us. And we must also sanctify ourselves before His presence.
God proved Himself to be the Lord of all the earth by holding the waters of the flooded Jordan. All the gods of the earth is nothing compared to Him.
There is contrast between crossing the Red Sea and crossing the Jordan river. The first crossing illustrated separation from the past while the second crossing pictured entrance by faith into the spiritual inheritance in Christ. On the cross, Jesus defeated our enemies, but we have to walk by faith to have daily victory. We cross the Jordan when we enter by faith into the victory experince.
Before crossing over the the Promised Land, Joshua gathered the people to hear His Words. As we live in this fast-paced ages, we frequently are caught up with our busy task and fail to read God’s Word. Make a schedule and take time to focus on His Word to avoid making mistakes.