Read Joshua 3
Here we read the story of Israel crossing
the Jordan River into the Promised Land. First Joshua rises early and leads
Israel to the banks of the Jordan River. They wait here three days, observing
the Jordan River at its mightiest time of year (v 2, 15). The Israelites clearly
trust Joshua, as they still do not know how he will lead them over. After the
three days have passed, the officers go throughout the camp giving instructions
to follow the Ark of the Covenant when it moves. Joshua further exhorts Israel
to consecrate themselves “for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders.” A godly
leader can only function in the strength and guidance of the Almighty. Thus we
see a pause in the story where Yahweh speaks to Joshua, giving him
encouragement and direction (v 7-8).
Next Joshua addresses Israel, sharing the
reason why they will cross the Jordan River in such a miraculous way. Beginning
their conquest of Canaan with miraculous help from God is meant to encourage
them that God will deliver them in their future endeavors (v 10). The Israelites
will be able to look back on their personal witness of God’s power should they
be faced with doubt in the future. The moment the priests’ feet stepped into
the Jordan, the waters piled up. God displayed His power so greatly that He
caused the water to stop flowing at Adam, roughly thirty miles upstream from
where Israel was crossing (v 16). The priests stood in the dry riverbed with
the Ark of the Covenant until everyone had crossed to display that it was God’s
power alone that caused this miracle.
Prayer and Journaling
1. Reflect over what you read in Scripture
today. God clearly displays His power here. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you
what other characteristics of God are revealed in this chapter. Spend some time
praising God for these things.
2. Do you trust God? Sometimes He leads us to
situations that are impossible to overcome on our own so that He can display
His glorious power. Ask God to give you a heart that trusts Him even when you
don’t understand.
3. Throughout Scripture we see that God loves
helping His people learn to trust Him. He often does so through miracles. Think
of someone you know who is facing a seemingly impossible situation. Pray for
them today, asking God to work a miracle in their lives. Pray that He would
help this person to trust Him.
