WWe have seen the six important steps that Joshua and the people of Israel took to reach the other side of Jordan. They were movable, patient, holy, focused and following the LORD, while exalting Him. All these are essential steps for us as well to reach the victory side. Let us consider three more steps from the same passage.
passage.
1. Act by faith, Josh. 3:13, 15, 16a.
"As soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD"
The priests are not just to stand close to the edge of the water and believe the ability of God to divide the river. Only after those involved acted upon their faith and got their feet wet, Jordan dried up and people crossed over. So is in Christian life.
It is true that unlike the Old Testament, we have been blessed with all the spiritual blessings of the heavenly places in Christ. However, we need to act by faith taking one step at a time, doing whatever He says even if it is apparently difficult.
2. Risk life, Josh. 3:17; cf. 4:10.
"the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan."
Immediately after the sole of the priests touched the water, the river was divided, v. 15, 16. On one side, the water became like a heap of waters! Then they had to go to the middle of the river and stand there bearing the Ark till all the Israelites crossed over.
How risky it was! Imagine, in case the heap of waters falls on them! By faith they had to take that risk so that the Israelites safely reach the victory side.
This speaks of the role of Christ in taking the dangerous place - the depth of the sea - to taste death for us to take away our sins and lead to victory (cf. Psa. 69:1, 2)
This also refers to the leader's responsibility. They may have to take the place of danger for the benefit of the people. Wherever a leader hesitated to take risk, people will have to suffer.
3. Death to self.
When we carefully compare the crossing of the Red Sea with the crossing at the river Jordan we can find certain unique spiritual meanings in these exercises of crossings.
As soon as they crossed over, Joshua told them to erect two memorials. One in the middle of the river Jordan and another at the first camping place - Gilgal, Josh. 4:2, 3, 9. What was purpose of those memorials?
Primarily, it was meant to be a sign for the future generation, Josh. 4:6, 7. It was also intended to be a testimony to the gentiles, v. 24. Anyone who sees the huge heap of stones should be challenged by seeing the mighty works of God.
However, there was no command to erect a monument during the earlier crossing at Red Sea. They only had to 'stand still and see,' Exo 14:13. Because it was God's own work, on His own initiative.
Whereas at Jordan there were many requirements. The Lord demanded faith, obedience, and discipline. Because what was happening at the crossing of Jordan was unique that they should never forget. It was there the rebellion and wanderings of the Israelites ended. defeated and disobedient life of wilderness is buried there. Yes, it was the place of their death - death of their self- life.
In their campaign, Israelites often returned to Gilgal to remind themselves of these truths, Josh. 10:15, 43. Samuel too used to visit this place for remembrance and renewal, 1Sam. 7:16.
Today for us, the crossing at the Red Sea illustrates Christ's death for us. On His own initiative, He died to redeem us. Whereas the crossing of Jordan speaks of our death with Christ on the cross. Both these aspects of Christ's death must be afresh in our heart to enter in to the rest and victory our Lord promises (Cf. 2Cori. 5:14).
So, to reach the victory side every believer must continue to experience this death with Christ (John 12:24). Though it happened at conversion, we need to know, reckon, and yield to Him accordingly (Rom. 6:6, 11, 13).G&P
To be continued (DV)
