Joshua chapter three describes the arrangements for and instructions for the Hebrews to cross the Jordan River. Having left their captivity in Egypt and wandering through the wilderness for 40 years and under the new leadership of Joshua, we find them encamped and preparing to cross over into the land promised to them by God.
The river was in flood and dangerous. Potentially it was swirling and muddy with unknown currents moving the mass of water. For them it was the demarcation or natural border of the new territory, a barrier - whereas for those on the other side, it was a revered symbol of Baals' might. They had reached a monumental moment; they could either trust in God's power and plan and step into the dangerous river, or they could disobey God's instruction and give into fear or even perhaps that sense of staying with what they knew. They made the decision to go, broke camp and prepared to cross.
Acting on our decisions
As we look to the post pandemic future and in our own lives, we can make the decision to change, do something differently, be better people etc – but that decision needs to be acted on – taking that first step and dipping your toe into the water of your decision makes Verses 15 to 17 significant.
From the NKJV, "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 upstream stood still and rose in a heap very far away [e]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. Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan."
Post pandemic future
Wherever we are placed – be that at home, in commerce, in hospitals, prisons, the school run, the high street store, the local park, I believe that through dreams, visions and personal revelation through His word, there is a renewing of vision, a release of heavenly ideas to bring Jesus to our neighbourhood in new and innovative ways.
As we dip our toe in the water and take that first step to act on the idea or desire the Father has laid on your heart, I believe like the Joshua story, HE will open and make clear the path He is calling us to walk on.
Yes, these verses are Old Testament and the Levi priests, carrying the Arc of the Covenant (God’s word written in stone) had authority and a mandate to do what they did. We however have the finished work of the cross – we have Christ Jesus making us a royal priesthood. We have Him as the living word and His Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen and encourage us every step of the way.
We maybe standing on the riverbank – perhaps the water is swirling, in flood and muddy, but God is asking us to trust HIM, take that first step, get your feet wet and HE will do the rest.
Shared at FHCC on 8 August 2021/Joy