Joshua 3
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Joshua 3:15-17, 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.
Chapters 3 and 4 describe the Israelites making their way into the promised land. The ark of the covenant is prominent in this journey. Carried by the priests, the people follow the ark. The ark, which symbolizes the presence of God going with them, is what shows the people the direction they are to go. But they aren’t to get too close, for God is holy and they were to keep a respectable and safe distance.
As they enter Canaan, crossing the Jordan River is a necessity. But it’s flood season, so the river is unusually large and the flow is strong. Experts estimate the river at this stage to be about 100 feet wide and 5-10 feet deep, certainly too deep for the Hebrew army to safely cross. This is a test for the Israelites. Would they trust God or cower in fear as their parents and grandparents had not too many years ago? Our focus verses describe the miracle that happened next. They step out in faith and see the wonder and power of God! The priests carry the ark into the water and the flow of water stopped. Holding the ark of the covenant and standing on dry land, all of Israel could safely cross over.
As I read this, I can’t help thinking about God stopping the flow of the Red Sea for God’s people to cross many years earlier. But this trek would have a different outcome. This time, the people would get to enter the promised land and see how God makes good on his promise. It’s a new day and they are a new people.
I don’t know about you, but I can be impatient. When I plead for God to act, I want him to act now, not later. But God’s timing is not our timing. Take a look at the Israelites. They waited years and years and years to enter Canaan. We know their sin had something to do with their wait time, but it was also a time of God forming a new people. Sometimes, God takes time simply to form and shape you and me as well. Can you think of something that you spent years praying for? Whether or not you experienced a clear answer from God, how did God shape and form you spiritually during those years of prayer?
Let’s pray…Almighty God, We know that we are impatient and sinful. Thank you for continuing to guide us and love us anyway. Thank you for the times you have formed us and changed us. Do a new thing in us, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.