Joshua 3:1-17
Tuesday, 14 June 2022
And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap” -Joshua 3:13
Our reading today describes the crossing of River Jordan by God’s people under the leadership of Joshua, God’s appointed leader. That was the beginning of a long journey to conquer and settle in the land God promised to them. Looking at it through Joshua’s perspective, it was the first step of his walk by faith as a leader.
To a Christian, the wilderness journey and the crossing over of Jordan is a shadow of our spiritual journey to our eternal home! Apostle Paul tells us in 1Cor.10:11 that all these things were written down for our instruction. The essential requirements for a successful journey to reach our destination of the Promised land, are outlined in today’s reading.
Know the way (v. 4)- The Lord instructs Joshua and the people to follow the Ark of Covenant at a measured distance; for He only knows the way. Jesus, who the Ark typifies, said, “I am the way, the truth and the life…” (John 14:6) and we are instructed “…to follow His footsteps” (1Peter 2:21). Besides, He has given His Holy Spirit to lead us through paths never travelled by us! Can we fully submit to this Perfect Guide, to lead us according to His will?
Be Sanctified (v.5):- God gave specific instructions to Joshua that the people be sanctified. For us too, the instruction is clear: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate...” (2Cor.6:17). We can see afterwards, how some of them failed to keep the separation and perished! Today in our spiritual journey there is no exception- our sanctification is God’s will (1Thes.4:3) and “… without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Heb.12:14).
Carry the covenant (v.13):- The Ark of the Covenant assured them of God’s presence amongst them during their journey and the sight of the Ark, brought a reverential fear of the Lord. The hand-written covenant was inside the ark at that time; and today God assures His covenanted people- “I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.” (Heb.8:10)
Obey godly authority (v.14):- The people followed those who led them through the Jordan. Earlier in the wilderness we could see how rebellion against God-appointed authority, caused many to perish and miss the Promised Land. The Bible instructs us: “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God.” (Heb.13:17 NLT)
In verse 7 we see that Joshua was honoured by God - remember that a child of God is chosen and appointed by God (1Peter 2:9) and in His perfect time He will exalt you. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1Peter5:6).
The miracle that happened was God’s perfect plan. In our life too, He still does miracles- Many times we are confronted with “Jordans” with no way in front- but the Lord makes a way through it! He has led us thus far with His purpose and plan!
As given in the key verse, the river Jordan was cut off from flowing, the Lord just stopped the water which was an obstruction for His people to reach the promised land. In this pilgrim journey His hidden hands are taking care of us—just trust Him and walk the way as He leads!
Thought for the Day: Our Destiny is the Promise land; hence as "…temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” (1Peter 2:11)