So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), that the waters which came down from the upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho.     Joshua 3:14-16 NKJV

The Israelites must cross the Jordan to get into the Promised Land. At this time of year, the Jordan is flooded. Of course, we know this is no problem for God. When the Red Sea was parted, Moses had to stretch his hand out over the sea. Here God is asking for a bigger commitment from the priest. They must dip their feet into a river that is overflowing as they are carrying the ark of the covenant. They did this and God stopped the water. And just as God had done with the Red Sea, we are told in verse 17 that the priests stood firm on dry ground and all the Israelites walked across on dry ground.

All God wanted from the Israelites was faith and obedience. Sadly, many of them were unable to give God either of those things. Trust and obey isn’t just a song, it has to be a way of life for Christians. You have to have faith to be obedient. When we are told in Psalms 46:10 to be still and know He is God, that takes a lot of faith. When we are facing troubled times the last thing we want to do is be still. Some versions say, “stop your fighting.” In troubled times, we want to fight. We want to stand up for ourselves. It takes a whole lot more strength and courage to simply trust God and walk away.

In Numbers 13, Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb came back with good reports. The other ten said that there were giants and it would be too hard to take the land. Those ten died by plague (Numbers 14:35). The Israelites grumbled and complained and said they’d rather go back to Egypt or die in the wilderness than try to enter the Promised Land. God gave them their wish. He turned them back into the wilderness to die there. Once they realized what they had done they tried to go and fight the Amalekites and the Canaanites even though God warned them not to. They were driven back.

God had had enough. He only allowed those under 20 years old or the new generation that had been born in the wilderness to enter.

We have one goal in this earthly life, entering the Promised Land. In order to do so, we must Cross the Jordan. This means we must live an earthly life of faith and obedience. We must trust Him when the flood waters rise and in the fire. We are told in Isaiah 43:1-2, “…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”

I’ve come to realize that I have a lot more in common with the Israelites than I care to admit. I can learn from their mistakes. I know that through continued faith and obedience, God will help me to cross over into the Promised Land. He will do the same for you.

Have a great day!