Following God’s Instructions: Crossing the Jordan on Dry Ground
Trusting God’s Leadership
The crossing of the Jordan River under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 3) presents a profound narrative of obedience, faith, and God’s miraculous power. As Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, God provided clear instructions through Joshua. Each instruction carried spiritual significance and revealed principles that apply to our lives today. Let us explore this journey step by step and uncover the lessons God has for us.
1. The First Instruction: Follow the Ark
Joshua 3:3 says, “When you see the Covenant-Chest of GOD, your God, carried by the Levitical priests, start moving. Follow it.” The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God among His people. By instructing the Israelites to follow the Ark, God was teaching them to trust His guidance completely.
Lesson: Follow God’s Presence
We often face situations where the path ahead seems unclear. Like the Israelites, we must fix our eyes on God and follow His lead. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Reflection Question: Are you actively seeking and following God’s presence in your daily decisions?
2. The Second Instruction: Keep a Distance
Joshua 3:4 says, “Make sure you keep a proper distance between you and it, about half a mile—be sure now to keep your distance! You’ll see clearly the route to take. You’ve never been on this road before.”
This instruction emphasized the holiness of God and the need for reverence. It also ensured that everyone could clearly see the Ark and follow without confusion.
Lesson: Maintain Reverence for God
God’s presence is sacred, and we must approach Him with reverence. Keeping a respectful distance symbolizes our acknowledgment of His holiness. Hebrews 12:28-29 says, *”Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.'”
Application: Cultivate an attitude of awe and reverence in your prayer life and worship.
3. The Third Instruction: Sanctify Yourselves
Joshua 3:5 records Joshua’s command: “Sanctify yourselves. Tomorrow GOD will work miracle-wonders among you.”
Sanctification involves setting ourselves apart for God’s purposes. It is a call to spiritual preparation, purity, and alignment with God’s will.
Lesson: Prepare Your Heart for God’s Work
God’s miracles often follow a season of preparation. Sanctification invites us to examine our hearts and remove anything that hinders our relationship with Him. In 2 Timothy 2:21, Paul writes, “Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
Reflection Question: Have you sanctified yourself, removing distractions and sin, to prepare for God’s work in your life?
4. The Fourth Instruction: Step Out in Faith
Joshua 3:6 states, “Joshua instructed the priests, ‘Take up the Chest of the Covenant and step out before the people.’ So they took it up and processed before the people.”
The priests carried the Ark and were the first to step into the Jordan River. Their faith and obedience initiated the miracle.
Lesson: Faith Requires Action
Faith is not passive; it demands action. James 2:17 declares, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” The priests’ willingness to step into the flooding Jordan symbolizes our need to trust God fully, even when circumstances seem impossible.
Challenge: Take a step of faith in an area where God is calling you to move forward.
5. God Goes Before Us
In Joshua 3:11, Joshua reminds the people, “Look at what’s before you: the Chest of the Covenant. Think of it—the Master of the entire earth is crossing the Jordan as you watch.”
God’s presence leads the way. The Creator of the universe steps into our challenges before we do, ensuring that the path is prepared.
Lesson: Trust God to Make a Way
Isaiah 43:2 offers this promise: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” God’s presence goes ahead of us, clearing obstacles and making a way where there seems to be none.
Reflection Question: Are you trusting God to lead you through difficult seasons?
6. The Priests’ Role: Carrying the Presence of God
The priests had two key responsibilities:
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To carry the Ark on their shoulders.
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To step into the waters first, initiating God’s miraculous intervention.