Crossing the Jordan on Dry Ground
Joshua had taken over for Moses as the book of Joshua begins. The Lord admonished him to be strong and courageous. The people pledged their loyalty to him. They were ready to enter the land of Canaan. Joshua sent spies to Jericho, and they brought back a great report that the people were in a panic because of Israel coming. Therefore, they consecrated themselves and prepared to cross the Jordan River as God commanded. The priests were to go first with the ark of the covenant. When they stood in the water, the flow stopped, the waters stood up in a mass, and all of the people crossed on dry ground. (Joshua 3:13,17) That was a notable miracle, but why did God do it that way?
God promised Joshua that He would show the people that He was with him, as He had been with Moses. What better way than to have the whole nation cross the Jordan on dry ground, as Moses had led them across the Red Sea on dry ground? However, I am sure you noticed a big difference, too. At the Red Sea God opened it up first, then, all the people crossed on dry land. This time the priests had to get their feet wet. Then, the waters were cut off, just like God said. This shows us that God works both ways in our lives. Sometimes, He takes the obstacle away before we even take a step forward. Other times, we have to trust Him and go forward before we see Him work. Both take faith, but really the second way takes more faith. That is how God affirmed Joshua as the leader. Joshua exercised great faith, and God worked a miracle for all of the people. I pray that we will obey the Lord no matter which way He calls on us to trust Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 4-6.
God promised Joshua that He would show the people that He was with him, as He had been with Moses. What better way than to have the whole nation cross the Jordan on dry ground, as Moses had led them across the Red Sea on dry ground? However, I am sure you noticed a big difference, too. At the Red Sea God opened it up first, then, all the people crossed on dry land. This time the priests had to get their feet wet. Then, the waters were cut off, just like God said. This shows us that God works both ways in our lives. Sometimes, He takes the obstacle away before we even take a step forward. Other times, we have to trust Him and go forward before we see Him work. Both take faith, but really the second way takes more faith. That is how God affirmed Joshua as the leader. Joshua exercised great faith, and God worked a miracle for all of the people. I pray that we will obey the Lord no matter which way He calls on us to trust Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 4-6.