The Crossing of the Jordan
After Moses' death, Joshua became the new leader of Israel, tasked with the monumental responsibility of leading God's people into the Promised Land. Before they could take possession of this land, however, they had to cross the Jordan River, which presented a significant obstacle.
The river was at flood stage, making it virtually impossible to cross by normal means. Yet God commanded Joshua to lead the people across, promising His presence and power.
This moment represented a pivotal transition for Israel. They were leaving behind their wilderness wanderings and stepping into the fulfillment of God's promise. The crossing of the Jordan marked not only a geographical shift but a spiritual one as well, as the people moved from a season of preparation to a season of possession.
Joshua 3:5-8, 14-17 (NIV):
"Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.' Joshua said to the priests, 'Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.' So they took it up and went ahead of them. 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."
"So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing.
It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.
The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground."
God demonstrated His power by stopping the flow of the Jordan River, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stood in the middle of the riverbed as a visible sign of God's presence and protection.
This miracle echoed the parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus, confirming to the people that the same God who delivered them from Egypt was now leading them into Canaan.
Memorial Stones
After crossing the Jordan, Joshua commanded representatives from each of the twelve tribes to take stones from the middle of the riverbed and set them up as a memorial at Gilgal, their first campsite in the Promised Land.
Joshua 4:6-7 (NIV):
"In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
These memorial stones served as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and power. They were intended to prompt questions from future generations, creating opportunities for parents to share the story of God's miraculous provision and to pass down their faith to their children.
This practice of remembrance ensured that the knowledge of God's mighty works would not be forgotten.
Lesson:
The crossing of the Jordan teaches us the powerful lesson that faith requires action. The Israelites had to step into the rushing waters before God parted them. The priests had to place their feet in the river while it was still flowing before the miracle occurred.
This demonstrates that faith is not passive but requires us to move forward in obedience, even when the path ahead seems impossible. This story also emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation before significant transitions.
Joshua instructed the people to consecrate themselves before crossing the Jordan, recognizing that spiritual readiness was essential for the challenges ahead. Similarly, we must prepare our hearts through prayer, repentance, and renewed commitment to God when facing major life transitions.
Furthermore, the memorial stones highlight the value of creating tangible reminders of God's faithfulness. In our own lives, we need "memorial stones" – whether through journals, testimonies, or traditions – that help us remember and share God's work in our lives.
These reminders strengthen our faith during difficult times and provide opportunities to pass our faith to the next generation. The Jordan crossing also teaches us about the significance of godly leadership.
Joshua's obedience to God's commands and his courage to lead the people into uncertain circumstances exemplify the kind of leadership that honors God. He didn't wait until circumstances were ideal but moved forward in faith when God directed.
Prayer:
Lord God, like the Israelites at the Jordan River, we often face obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. Give us the courage to step out in faith when You call us, even when we cannot see the outcome.
Help us to prepare our hearts for the journeys You have for us, consecrating ourselves for Your service. Thank You for the many ways You have proven Your faithfulness in our lives. May we be diligent to create and share memorials of
Your goodness so that future generations will know of Your mighty works. Grant us leaders like Joshua who will courageously guide us according to Your Word and will.
As we cross our own "Jordan Rivers," may we trust in Your unfailing presence and power. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.