Crossing the Jordan

Joshua Chapter 3

Early the next morning after the spies’ report, Joshua and all the Israelites left Acacia and arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, where they camped before crossing. Three days later, their leaders went through the camp giving instructions to the people: “When you see the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, follow them. Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you and the Ark. Make sure you don’t come any closer.” Then Joshua told the people to purify themselves because tomorrow the Lord would do great wonders among them.

In the morning, Joshua had the priests lift up the Ark and lead the people across the river. The Lord told Joshua, "Today I will make you great in the eyes of your people. Now they know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.” The Lord asked Joshua to instruct the priests to take a few steps into the river and stop. Joshua told the Israelites to listen to the Lord and know that he is among them and he would drive out all enemies. Choose twelve men, one from each tribe, he said. When the priests carrying the Ark have their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream and the river will pile up there in one heap.

The people set out to cross the Jordan as Joshua instructed. It was harvest season and the river was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the priest’s feet touched the water, it piled up at a town upstream until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho. Meanwhile the priests and the Ark stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed them. They waited there until everyone had crossed the Jordan on dry ground.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: the Israelites had to purify themselves just like Moses told them, by following God’s law for the unclean. Remember the unclean reasons like childbirth, disease, touching the dead etc. Purification was important to God and everyone should be forgiven before approaching him.

Can you imagine the people waiting to cross the river after 40 years of wandering? I’m sure they wanted to dive in and swim across with haste. But Joshua made them stop and follow God’s words. They could not have survived the floodwaters of the river, but God gave them an answer to their problem. He provided another miracle and made them great in the eyes of the world.

How does this chapter relate to us today? Just as God provided a solution to the Israelites problem, he does the same for you today. It’s easy for us to get so caught up in our daily lives, that we forget to focus on what God wants from our activities, so take the time to know what God wants before you rush into your day.
Eager as the Israelites were to cross the river, they had to wait for a solution. This miracle proves to us today, that God keeps his promises. He was with his people at the beginning and to the end. God has great timing if you give him the chance to help you today and always. No matter what obstacles you face, just trust in God to do what is right. Obey him before you step into the water today!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
Health: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Teli’s family, Logan and the newly born Stella who is taking mother’s milk now and Lori and her family.
Spiritual Uplifting: Gail, Mary
Restoration of faith: Al, John
Love and support for: Claire, Hunter
Support: Haiti, Chile, those cleaning up the gulf coast oil spill and those who lost their livelihood there. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.