Give this command to the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant: ‘When you reach the banks of the Jordan River, take a few steps into the river and stop there.’” Joshua 3: 8
With Joshua in command, the Israelites had embarked on a journey of their lives! They were instructed to follow the Priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. The were given precise instruction to stay behind them since they had never traveled that way before! We too are reminded in Psalm 32:8 that says “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
As the story goes, Joshua asked them to come and listen to what the Lord had said, that He would surely drive out their seven enemies ahead of them (Can--ites, Hit--ites, Hiv--.ites, Per--ites, Girs--ites, Amo--ites and Jeb—ites) says Joshua 3:10. Do you have obstacles (..ites) in your life’s journey today? I do too! Ask the same Lord to deliver you as He did for the Israelites that day! He says in Psalm 91:1 “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Well, when they arrived at the river Jordan it was overflowing its banks, but as soon as the feet of the priests who carried the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water above the point began backing up a great distance away at Adam town. That is what happens when you get your feet wet! This symbolizes that when you step in the presence of the Lord, anything is possible, even a taste of heaven because He is Omnipresent!
Can you picture the people standing in the middle of dry Jordan river, the twelve representatives picking up the twelve stones for the future Memorial? At the same time Joshua was setting up another twelve stones where the priests were standing which are still there today as a reminder! Can you imagine the fun the people were having, children playing and everyone else excited in the middle of the Jordan river? This is what our God can do today for us too!
The Lord made Joshua a great leader, the Israelites revered him as they did for Moses! The priests remained in the Jordan until all the people had crossed to the other side. As soon as they had all crossed, the water of the Jordan returned and overflowed its banks again. What an awesome God we serve! He enables us to go through the challenges we face in His strength.
Remember, the Israelites were heading to Jericho. The Jerichoans were very busy with their daily lives. Perhaps they had set up their AI’s in place with the necessary gadgets but God’s Supernatural Intelligence was far greater in comparison! When they heard how the Lord had dried the Jordan for the Israelites crossover, they immediately lost heart and were paralyzed with fear. He is the God of miracles!
Dear Lord, Thank you for the encouragement from your Word that gives me confidence and courage to carry on during challenging times. You are in control regardless of what is going on around me and I can fully and confidently put my total trust in you.
Be Courageous. “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways”. Deuteronomy 28:7
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