Joshua 3
In order for us to appreciate what is happening in this third chapter, it is helpful to look back at the first chapter of Joshua. God spoke to Joshua and told him to lead the people across the Jordan river into the land which He had promised them. Joshua then told the people within three days they would cross the Jordan. When God promises something it will come to pass. Look in the New Testament at Romans 11:29, it states, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” When God says something, it comes to pass. He does not go against His Word.
Now fast forward to chapter 3. We see Joshua, speaking on behalf of God, tell the priests to take the ark of the covenant into the Jordan river first. The rest of the people were to stand back about a half mile. It was said they would walk on dry ground. Not on marshy, muddy ground, but dry. Surely Joshua was recalling when God split the Red Sea and led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt as he was about to experience a similar work of God. Additionally, we have a description of the river. This river was swollen with water as it was early in the harvest. Sometimes we forget that we serve a supernatural God who is not limited or bound by natural laws. Our finite minds can get in the way of our faith in God’s Word. This was not so for Joshua.
Joshua trusted God and commanded the priests evermore. The river may be gushing but God said we were going to walk on dry land. Joshua and Israel took a step of faith. Where do you need to take a step of faith? God says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. His word says that by one sacrifice He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. Do you know that with faith you can move mountains? Do you know that with faith, all things are possible? Is God calling you to something and you are on the fence of obeying? Trust His Word. He esteems it even higher than His name. My pastor always says, “Love God, love His Word, and love His people”. Do those things and God will do some awesome things in your life!