The Crossing Of Jordan

by D.J. Kerr, Barrhead | Category: Spiritual Lessons From Joshua | Apr 1985

Unlike crossing the Red Sea, nowhere in Scripture is there a reference to crossing the river Jordan which gives a definite spiritual application of the event. Israel was redeemed out of Egypt (1 Chron. 17:21) and baptized in the Red Sea (1 Cor. 10:1,2) 50 the truths of redemption and baptism are typified in historical events as far as Israel is concerned. This does not apply to the crossing of Jordan. Many references in Scripture to this river are for geographical purposes, it being used to identify Israel's boundary. However, this does not mean that there are no spiritual applications and lessons to be gained, as we shall show later, but such lessons require to be suggestive rather than dogmatic.

THE HISTORICAL SETTING

Israel, having wandered in the wilderness for 40 years until a new generation arose, were now commanded by God to enter the Promised Land and claim through faith the inheritance for which they left Egypt. They were to drive out their enemies, destroy all traces of evil religious practices and partake of the blessings of the land. It was a progressive experience that lasted many years before they settled down to normal life. The fact that it lasted longer than it should was due, of course, to Israel's failure, for it was God's intention that they should claim the land by His power.

THE EVENT ITSELF

In the historical account of the crossing (Josh. 3 and 4) several points are emphasized and since the emphasis is by the Spirit of God these points must be important.

1.The Lord would magnify Joshua in the presence of the people as a result of

the event (3:7).

2.The nations of the earth could recognize the power of God and fear Him

(4:24).

3.The presence of God was with His people for their help (3:10).

4.The ark was the instrument used by God to demonstrate His power (4:7).

5.Succeeding generations were to have a perpetual visual reminder of the

event (4:21,22).

THE COMMON APPLICATION

The Jordan is often thought of as a symbol of the natural death of the believer through which we pass over into our "Promised Land" our heavenly dwelling. Many precious thoughts can be gained from this contemplation. However, for the purpose of this article, we will focus our attention on other applications of Israel's experience in crossing the Jordan. Appropriate lessons from these applications will be seen readily if we keep in mind the five points mentioned above as emphasized by the Holy Spirit in the narrative.

GOD'S LEADERS

Every generation of the people of God had leaders, and God's leaders today must be men like Joshua, who are seen to be in touch with God. They must be of high spiritual calibre, in the mould of Paul who in New Testament times said, "for to me to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21) and, "let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Phil. 1:27). People must have confidence in their leaders. The effective demonstration of the presence and power of God in their lives will provide the hallmark of divine choice and approval. Of course we must not lose sight of our great supreme Leader, our Lord Jesus Christ, who more than any other sets the standard for all to follow. How wonderful it would be if we could all fulfil the sentiments of the prophecy, "Behold My servant whom I uphold; My chosen, in whom My soul delighteth" (Is. 42:1). Let us make it our prayer that the people of God will be guided today by leaders who discern the commands and guidance of God to take His people forward daily into a present experience of knowing God's inheritance and rest.

CHRIST IN CONTROL

The ark speaks of Christ. In the crossing of Jordan it was the ark more than anything else which was the focal point of the event. The waters receded from the ark when the feet of the priests carrying it came to the brink of the overflowing river. There is some dubiety whether the ark remained at that point thereafter or whether it was carried into the middle of the riverbed to remain there while Israel passed over. In either event it makes little difference for, once Israel had crossed, the ark was carried to the opposite bank and the waters returned as before. Israel's faith in the ark (behind which lay the power of God) enabled them to go forward and, in due course, enter their rest (Josh. 2:13, 15). The present writer believes that rest today for the people of God is found in the house of God. Hebrews chapters 3 and 4 support this. We fail to enter and maintain that rest through lack of faith, or disobedience - just as Israel subsequently failed to enter and possess their promised inheritance to the full. While we have an inheritance in Heaven (1 Pet. 1:4) we also have one to be enjoyed now (Acts 20:32) which latter inheritance comes through obedience to the word of God (called in Acts 20 "the word of His grace"). Unlike eternal salvation (which comes as a gift at conversion) this rest has to be worked out by daily separation from the world and by closely following the Saviour. We can only go where He has gone, by following His footsteps and imitating His example. Failure to do this will cause us to lose our present "rest".

TESTIMONY TO THE WORLD

The unbelieving world will be drawn to Christ if God's presence and power are with His people. Irrespective of how insignificant in human eyes 6ur testimony might be it is still God's purpose that the world at large should know God through His people. While preaching and teaching are essential, only the evidence of a living Saviour and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives will convince the unbeliever that God is with us. Rahab said "I know that the LORD hath given you the land... for the LORD your God, He is God in Heaven above, and on earth beneath" (Josh. 2:9-11). Rahab believed because she learned that God was with His people, and if we fulfil the law of Christ by mutual love and Christian virtues, people will not have much difficulty in recognizing that God is with us.

TESTIMONY TO FUTURE GENERATIONS

We do not know how long it will be before the Lord comes, so we must make sure that our spiritual children who follow us are left in no doubt that God was with us. What monuments are we leaving for them to see? In days of crises and difficulty have we left testimony to the fact that under God's guidance and godly leadership we moved forward from victory to victory as His people? Are we upholding the pillars of unity, separation, godliness, faithfulness and spirituality? What are we leaving for future generations to see? Shittim on one side of Jordan was the last stop - the last stage of "going out" - and from then on it was a "coming in". Our spiritual forefathers left monuments for us to see - a testimony to victories in the Lord through their faith and obedience. Many knew a "going out" as well as a "coming in". Let us maintain their monuments and leave something worthwhile for following generations to see in the midst of increasing confusion and lack of positive direction.

CONCLUSION

While the crossing of Jordan might not be highlighted in Scripture as much as other events in the experience of Israel, yet it is full of lessons for us who have the same Lord working on our behalf. The Jordan experience was a victory solely of God and perhaps it is timely to remind ourselves what God can do when we trust completely in Him.

D.J. Kerr, Barrhead | Apr 1985
Spiritual Lessons From Joshua