The One Thing - part 3 - The Jordan River Reminder

In chapter 3, we see a similar setting as the people of Israel approach the Jordan River. Joshua had taken over as leader of the people, so God wanted to show Joshua and Israel that He was still with them.

“And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.

-Joshua 3:7, NIV

The Jordan River was before them, and they needed to get across the river and head to Jericho. God told Joshua that He was going to make a way for them just as He had before. God gave Joshua instructions for the people (Joshua 3:8-13) and the people of Israel followed what Joshua said.

Then as soon as the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Lord stepped into the Jordan River, a familiar scene unfolded.

“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

But this wasn't like the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). In the parting of the Red Sea, the sea stood up on both sides. This time the water stopped flowing until the children of Israel had crossed.

This reminder was big for the children of Isreal. God used something that had happened before to let them know that God was still with them.

Even though life changes and can get out of hand, God is still with us. This is a good reminder for us. God is still God no matter what is going on in the world.

_______________

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Edited by Kay Beam

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