Because of their unbelief, Israel was sentenced to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Those years have now expired and the children of Israel are poised to enter into Canaan Land. However, before they can enter Canaan, they must first get past one final, major obstacle… the Jordan River. Those who have been there during the harvest time tell us that the Jordan swells to an impassable width of over 1 mile! There was no way they could cross this river on their own! They needed supernatural help.
We each have “Jordans” that we face from time to time! I don't know specifically what kind of obstacles you are facing in your life, but I do know a God who specializes in overcoming the overwhelming and in leading His children to victory. We can recognize from their experience some steps that we can take get past that obstacle that blocks our way and enter our Canaan.
I. Listen for Directions from God Joshua 3:1-13
1. Wait on the Lord - v.1-2 - Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and he and all the sons of Israel set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan, and they lodged there before they crossed. At the end of three days the officers went through the midst of the camp; Joshua 3:1-2
Reacting to a problem seldom brings the best action to resolve one. Responding to a circumstance involves patience and stillness. Spending some time seeking God’s wisdom is always beneficial.
2. Pay Attention to Details v.3-4 – and they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God with the Levitical priests carrying it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it. "However, there shall be between you and it a distance of about 2,000 cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not passed this way before."
When it came time for the people to move forward to cross Jordan, God had a message they needed to hear. In the words they heard, they were challenged to do three very important things. These things were designed to help them follow the Lord better.
- Watch God - The Ark, you may remember, was that special piece of Tabernacle furniture that symbolized the presence and power of God. When the Ark was in the Holy of Holies, the glory of God rested upon it and it was the dwelling place of God. To Israel, it represented God's presence in the midst of His people. In other words, when God moved, they were to move. When God stopped they were to do the same.
- Follow God - When they saw the Ark of the Covenant move, they were to "set out from your place and go after it." Not only were they to watch God, they were to move when He did. They were to pursue God!
- There comes a time when we must do the same. This may require us to leave our comfort zone! Following God may not be the easiest thing you will ever do, but it will be the best thing you ever do. If you ever expect to get past your obstacles and enter your Canaan, you must learn to follow God.
3. Honor God - Notice that the Israelites are told to stay at least 3000 feet behind the Ark. This was so that they could easily see what was happening ahead of them. Also, to get too close to the Ark of the Covenant would have meant death.
We also must never be guilty of treating God like one of our buddies. There must always be a holy reverence and a fear of the Lord in our hearts.
Simply put, these three things are most easily accomplished by learning to walk in the Spirit. That is, learning to give control of your life to the Spirit of God and to follow God as He leads through His Word and through prayer. It may not always be easy, but the promise of God is that if you will follow, He will certainly lead!
Scripture to Claim: Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. Psalms 25:5
