Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of Joshua
by Max Frazier, Jr.

CROSSING YOUR JORDANS
Joshua 3:1-5

Today, we begin with chapter 3, one of the most exciting miracles which God performed for Israel prior to their entrance into the Promised Land. Within the text I notice at least three key ideas which, when implemented by each of us, will allow us to more successfully cross those Jordans which lie in front of us.

We begin by noticing that Israel had been in the wilderness for forty years. God had provided for her every need - manna from heaven, water from the rock, protection from the enemies - but the wilderness was NOT the land of promise. Ahead lay the land flowing with milk and honey, the land promised to Abraham and his seed forever.

But, in order to get to that promised land of blessings, they had to cross the Jordan. Now the river was at flood stage which meant that it was over a mile wide and six to twelve feet deep with many swift rapids. The Jordan represented a seemingly insurmountable barrier to reaching God's best.

Friends, the Jordan represents those things in our lives which prevent us from fully appropriating God's best for us. They represent those things which we might consider to be impossible. Every time I read this chapter I am reminded of that little chorus I learned so many years ago in Sunday school:

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?

Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible,

He does the things others cannot do.

Our Jordans should not be the cause of fear, but should become opportunities for trusting the Lord.

The very first step in a successful crossing of the Jordan is following God's guidance. We read in verses 3 and 4, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before..."

Joshua cautioned Israel that they were to follow the ark as they crossed the flooded Jordan River. They were not to attempt to cross it in their own strength or planning, either through the construction of bridges or the discovery of fords. They had to follow the Lord. And Joshua gave them the reason: they had not been here before. With the exception of the two spies from the present and the two spies from the past, Caleb and Joshua himself, not one person knew what lay across that Jordan River. They were going to have to trust the Lord.

Whether it is a new day or a new week or a new year or a new millennium, we must follow after God. We do not know anything about the future, but God does. We have never been here before, but God has. He knows the way. We just need to follow him.

Lord, we have entered a new year. We have no idea at all what lies before us this year. The only two things we can know for certainty are these: that we will face many impossible Jordan River scenes, and that we can have confidence and put our trust in You. We praise You because You still delight in making the impossible possible. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

MORE THOUGHTS ON CROSSING YOUR JORDANS
Joshua 3:5

In our last study, we began to focus our attention upon some key ideas which we might observe within this third chapter of Joshua that would enable us to successfully cross those Jordan River experiences which will occur during this coming year.

We noticed first, in verses 3 and 4, the need for Israel to follow the guidance from the Lord. They were not to try to accomplish a crossing in their own strength or through their own devices. Neither should we, but we should place our full confidence and trust into the hands of the Lord.

The final two thoughts are found in verse 5, which reads: Then Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." The second command from God to Israel was that they consecrate themselves. Here was the command that Israel should examine their souls and their relationships with God. It was a time to confess any known sin. It was a time to enter into a right relationship with the One who had promised the land to them.

Before God will give deliverance and blessing, He needs clean vessels. He needs vessels yielded in obedience to Him. Paul proclaimed in 2 Corinthians 7:1, Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. Paul also admonished Timothy with these words: If a man cleanses himself from the latter (wickedness, mentioned in verse 19), he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work (2 Timothy 2:21).

God never fills us as long as we are experimenting to see how far and how fast we can travel with the world!

Finally, the people were to get excited about what God was going to do. The Christian life is to be an exciting one. God does not call us to a lifetime of boredom and mediocrity. He desires that His servants experience the blessings and joys of life. We serve a God who, according to the words of the Apostle Paul, is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

So, what lies ahead in the coming year as we face those impossible Jordans? I really don't know, but I can share with you some precious thoughts from Isaiah's pen which underscores God's truths from Joshua 3. Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3). God is more than able to see you through.

As we go to prayer, if you, dear friend, are facing a Jordan experience right now in your life. If you are saying to yourself, "I don't know how I am going to make it through!", then pray right now and give that Jordan to God and then follow Him and you will get through. He has promised that!

You are the God who still delights in providing the miracles at those Jordan River times in our lives. Father, I pray for those dear Village Friends who may be at such a time in their lives right now, this very moment. Help them to look up and to draw their strength from You. Help them to trust You instead of their own understanding. And then, dear Father, allow them the opportunity to see Your hand at work in their own situation so that they might give You praise. Thank You, for it is in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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