“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9, KJV)

ABSTRACT

The profound narrative of the Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River encapsulates essential principles of unwavering faith, prompt obedience, and intimate communion with the Divine, serving as an inspirational blueprint for our communal pursuit of spiritual maturity and eternal assurance in the face of life’s formidable obstacles.

FAITH’S MIGHTY MARCH

The crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites is a profound account of faith, obedience, and divine guidance. Joshua 3:17 states, “And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground.” This moment exemplifies the necessity of following God’s presence, symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant, and adhering to His commandments. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV). But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith” (Steps to Christ, p. 61, 1892). Pure, living religion is found in obedience to every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Faith and Works, p. 58, 1889). As we reflect on this event, its spiritual significance becomes a model for us today in their journey toward eternal life. What role does the Ark play in embodying God’s guiding presence among us?

ARK OF DIVINE DIRECTION

The Ark of the Covenant, carried by the priests, represented God’s presence and guidance. In Joshua 3:3-4, the Israelites were instructed to follow the Ark, maintaining a respectful distance, as it led them into uncharted territory. This reliance on divine guidance underscores the importance of communion with God. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11, KJV). And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest (Exodus 33:14, KJV). Ellen G. White explains, “Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us” (Steps to Christ, p. 90, 1892). We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history (Life Sketches, p. 196, 1915). Ellen G. White states, “Prayer is communion with God, the Fountain of wisdom, the Source of strength, and peace, and happiness” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 42, 1902). Just as the Israelites depended on the Ark to safely cross the Jordan, we must prioritize communion with God through prayer and study to navigate life’s challenges. Without this connection, we risk spiritual stagnation and a lack of direction. How do the contents of the Ark highlight the vital place of God’s law in fostering our obedience?

LAW’S LIVING LEGACY

The Ark also housed the Ten Commandments, reflecting the importance of obedience to God’s law. When the rich young ruler asked Jesus about obtaining eternal life, He replied, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:17). And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth (Deuteronomy 28:1, KJV). But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22, KJV). Sr. White highlights that God provided additional statutes and judgments to guide the Israelites in keeping His law, stating, “Man is so prone to transgress that he needed minute directions” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, pp. 264-265, 1870). While we are to be in harmony with God’s law, we are not saved by the works of the law, yet we cannot be saved without obedience (Faith and Works, p. 48, 1889). God holds up before us as a high standard—perfect obedience to His law (Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, p. 620, 1990). These statutes were practical applications of the moral law, meant to safeguard the Israelites from sin and promote holiness. For modern believers, adherence to God’s law remains essential for spiritual growth and preparation for His return. In what ways does this biblical event mirror the contours of our own spiritual pilgrimage?

JOURNEY TO JUBILANT PROMISE

The Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan serves as a metaphor for our spiritual journey. Sr. White notes, “The warnings from Israel’s history remind us that sin, in any form, hinders our spiritual progress” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 284, 1868). Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come (1 Corinthians 10:11, KJV). Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (Hebrews 4:11, KJV). The Israelites “mourned after the Lord.” They repented of the sins which had alienated them from him, and sought to return again to their allegiance (The Signs of the Times, April 9, 1894). The Hebrews had entered Canaan, but they had not subdued it; and to human appearance the struggle to gain possession of it was hopeless (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 492, 1890). Just as Israel needed faith and obedience to enter the Promised Land, we must trust God and follow His commandments to secure our eternal inheritance. Malachi 4:4 urges, “Remember the law of Moses,” reminding believers of the enduring relevance of God’s statutes. These laws provide guidance and protection, helping us remain faithful amidst spiritual challenges. How might these intertwined principles of faith, presence, law, and journey empower our readiness for the eternal?

CULMINATING CROSSING LESSONS

Israel’s preparation and crossing of the Jordan River demonstrate the vital role of faith, obedience, and communion with God. By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name (Romans 1:5, KJV). Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105, KJV). Faith claims God’s promises and brings forth fruit in obedience (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 509, 1977). Obedience to God is liberty from the thraldom of sin, deliverance from human passion and impulse (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, p. 114, 1977). The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God’s presence, reminding us to maintain a deep relationship with Him through prayer and study. Obedience to God’s commandments, including the practical statutes given to Israel, is essential for spiritual growth and readiness for eternal life. By learning from Israel’s experience and applying these lessons, we can prepare to cross our own spiritual Jordan and enter the heavenly Canaan. Let us follow God’s guidance and embrace His commandments, ensuring our faithfulness as we journey toward the fulfillment of His promises.

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the story of the Jordan crossing, allowing its themes of faith and obedience to shape my daily decisions and deepen my trust in God’s guidance?

How can we adapt the dramatic lessons from Israel’s Jordan experience to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from long-time community members to newcomers or those from varied backgrounds, without diluting the call to obedient faith?

What are the most common misconceptions about obedience to God’s law in our circles—such as viewing it as mere legalism rather than loving response—and how can I address them compassionately using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local gatherings and individual lives embody the bold faith of the Jordan crossing, stepping out in obedience to become living testimonies of God’s presence and promises in everyday challenges?