“Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.”
Joshua 3:15-17 (NIV)
Have you ever faced an obstacle so daunting it seemed utterly impassable? The Israelites found themselves in such a predicament as they stood at the banks of the Jordan River. This wasn’t just any ordinary crossing; the river was at flood stage, swollen and turbulent, presenting a formidable barrier between God’s people and the Promised Land.
The timing of this crossing is significant. The text specifically mentions that it was during harvest season when the Jordan was at its most intimidating. Often, our greatest challenges come at what seems like the worst possible moment. Yet, it’s precisely in these moments that God delights in displaying His power.
God’s instructions to the priests carrying the ark were nothing short of extraordinary. They were to step into the raging waters, trusting that God would make a way. The Hebrew word for “touched” here is “tabal,” which can also mean “to dip” or “to plunge.” It suggests a decisive action, a step of faith into the unknown.
The miracle that unfolded was spectacular in its scope and timing. The waters didn’t just trickle to a stop; they piled up in a heap a great distance away. God didn’t just provide a narrow path; He created dry ground for the entire nation to cross. This wasn’t a last-minute scramble but a deliberate, orderly crossing that demonstrated God’s complete control over nature.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase,” said Martin Luther King Jr., the prominent leader in the African-American civil rights movement. This quote beautifully captures the essence of the Israelites’ experience at the Jordan. They had to take that first step into the flood waters before they saw God’s miraculous intervention.
The priests’ role in this crossing is particularly noteworthy. They didn’t just start the process; they stood firm in the middle of the riverbed until every last Israelite had crossed. Their steadfast faith and obedience created a stable environment for the entire nation to experience God’s miracle.
This account isn’t just an ancient story; it’s a powerful metaphor for our own lives. We all face our own “Jordans” – overwhelming challenges, seemingly impossible situations, or daunting transitions. These moments test our faith and challenge our trust in God’s promises.
God’s miracle at the Jordan teaches us valuable lessons about faith and obedience. It reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations. It shows us that sometimes we need to step out in faith before we see God’s provision. And it assures us that when God makes a way, it’s not just barely enough – it’s abundantly more than we could ask or imagine.
Remember, the same God who parted the Jordan for the Israelites is with you today. He is faithful to His promises and powerful beyond our imagination. As you face your own flood waters, step forward in faith, knowing that God goes before you and stands with you. Your obedience today could be the catalyst for a miracle tomorrow. Trust Him, step out, and watch Him part your Jordan!
Godseekers, today you may be standing at the edge of your own Jordan. Whether it’s a health crisis, a financial challenge, a relational conflict, or a spiritual hurdle, remember that the God who parted the Jordan is still in the business of making ways where there seem to be none. Your flood waters may be high, but they’re not higher than God’s power and love for you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your power and Your love. Like the Israelites at the Jordan, we face our own seemingly impassable obstacles. Give us the courage to take that first step of faith, trusting that You will make a way. Help us to stand firm in Your promises, even when we can’t see the outcome. Thank You for being a God who parts our Jordans and leads us into Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- What is the “Jordan” in your life right now? What step of faith might God be asking you to take?
- How have you seen God “part the waters” in your past? How can this memory encourage you in your current situation?
Step of Faith
This week, identify one area where you’ve been hesitating to move forward due to fear or uncertainty. Take one concrete step towards addressing this “Jordan” in your life, trusting that as you step out in faith, God will make a way. It might be having a difficult conversation, starting a new spiritual discipline, or taking action on a long-postponed decision.
