We have considered the nine steps that Israelites took under the direction of Joshua to reach the other side of Jordan. As they faithfully followed the Word and yielded to God, He wonderfully divided River Jordan and helped them reach the Canaan side leaving the defeated life of wilderness.
This amazing passage through the river has confirmed number of realities. It is always true of our spiritual victories too. God's mighty work among His people has many repercussions. Let us consider few from Joshua chapters three and four:
1. Confirmed Joshua's Leadership, Josh. 3:7
Just before dividing Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you" (3:7). Joshua 4:14 says, "On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life".
Remember, true leaders are recognized not by their dictatorship but by their victorious and exemplary life.
2. Confirmed God's Presence with Israel, Josh. 3:10a
Joshua told them in advance, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you……" (3:10a).
A failed life not only makes one doubt God's presence with him, but also adversely affects other's faith. In fact, such a life is a dishonour to God's name.
3. Confirmed the Power of God, Josh. 4:24
Referring to the purpose of the monument erected at Gilgal, Joshua says, “that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever."
As this miracle happened when Jordan was overflowing all its banks (3:15) it was more incredible and shocking. To the people of the land, it was a powerful demonstration proving that Jehovah is mighty as they have heard already, 5:1. Same with our victories too; they are a testimony to the might of the Lord.
4. Confirmed the Impending Judgment upon the Enemies, Josh. 3:10b.
Joshua said, "By this you shall know that ..... He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and......".
Canaanite nations got the message from the passage of Jordan that the LORD God of Israel is Almighty. They also realized that the judgment for their wicked ways was near at hand. In Josh 5:1 we read, "Their heart melted; and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the children of Israel".
Notice, our progress is a threat to the evil forces! Let the world know of the might of our God and the surety of its judgment, watching our victorious life. But often our life betrays our message and thus never a challenge to the enemy (cf. Jam. 4:7; Dan. 3:29; 4:25-27; 11:32).
5. An Inspiration to Future Generations, Josh. 4:6
About the purpose of using stones from the Jordan for the monument at Gilgal, Joshua further said, "that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'"
Joshua wanted even the future generations - even you and I - to remember this miraculous work of God and be encouraged to follow this great God (cf. 4:6, 7, 22, 23)!
Our successful life encourages others to follow the Lord. At the same time, the defeated and miserable life of a believer will surely discourage others as well. G&P
