Day 9

“Joshua said to the Israelites, ‘Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God. This is how you will know that the living God is among you… See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD – the Lord of all the earth – set foot in the Jordan, it’s waters fl owing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap’.”  — JOSHUA 3:9-13

Before the Israelites could enter Canaan they had to cross the river Jordan. Moses had died and Joshua was now leading the people. In Joshua 3:5, he encouraged the people, saying to them, “The LORD will do amazing things among you.” But the Israelites only saw the obstacles before them and the impassable barrier of the Jordan River. 

The LORD said to Joshua, “Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river’.” (Joshua 3:8) Despite the fact the Jordan River was at flood stage, as soon as the priests’ feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing and piled up in a heap a great distance away. Like the parting of the Red Sea, it was nothing short of miraculous, and the people crossed over the Jordan opposite Jericho.

When they came to the city of Jericho, God said to Joshua, “March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of ram’s horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” (Joshua 6:2-5)

We can be assured the Jordan River didn’t stop flowing because of toes dipped in water, and the walls of Jericho didn’t collapse because of trumpet playing and shouting. God delivers through our acts of obedience to Him.  Every act of God in the history of Israel was preceded by an act of obedience. 

However, we are not to sit back, arms folded, saying, “God, You do it. I’m watching. Save my neighbours.” No – go and talk to your neighbours. In all God calls us to do, act in obedience, and trust Him for the outcome.

PRAYER: Lord, I know some situations I face seem impossible to me, but nothing is impossible for You. Help me to be ever mindful that obedience to You is crucial in crossing my own ‘River Jordans’.  Thank You, Lord, for the victories we have in You.

TO REFLECT UPON: In what areas of my life am I lacking in obedience to God? Have I considered that they may keep me from hearing His voice and accomplishing what He otherwise would have called me to do?