Read
“So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. 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.” (Josh 3: 14-17)
Think
Imagine trying to cross the Yare with no bridge, with babies and elderly relatives in tow. In Joshua chapter 3, the Israelites finally come to cross the Jordan river. They’ve waited over 40 years for this day, yet the timing seems awkward: the river, wide and deep enough at the best of times, is in flood, and hundreds of thousands of men, women and children are waiting to cross.
They are given their instructions however – the ark of the covenant will go ahead of them. It’s the physical expression of God’s dwelling with his people, the visible reminder that he has bound himself in love to them.
When the priests carrying it enter the river, the waters from upstream simply stop flowing. With perfect timing, the river has been halted a long way upstream at a town called Adam. The writer says the waters “piled up in a heap”. Whether the waters are physically blocked at just the right time, or the water supernaturally heaps up, the message is clear – God has authority to do as he sees fit with the laws of nature to serve his purposes and his kingdom.
I wonder how the people at Adam felt looking out at what was going on with the water? To them it might have looked strange, confusing, or frightening. They don’t know what was going on lower down the river, yet this mysterious event going on in front of them will lead to a moment of rejoicing for God’s people further downstream. It’s the same pattern we see at the cross. Something frightening, awful, confusing – those who saw it couldn’t see how it could lead to good – yet it led to the greatest victory of all.
In a season that is beyond strange for all of us, frightening and confusing for many, we follow the God who has the wisdom and power to work all things together for the good of those who love him (Rom 8:28). Let’s remind ourselves of his faithfulness, his power and his love for us as we enter new territory. God will make a way.
Pray
Dear Father, thank you that when we see the Israelites cross the Jordan we’re reminded that you have the power to do more than we can ask or imagine. All the laws of science and nature listen up and obey when you speak. Today, would you help me to trust your wisdom, and to ask in faith that you will do great things for your people and for the world through this season. Amen
