Day 42 – Joshua: Crossing the Jordan

Reading: Joshua 3:1 to Joshua 6:27

“And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. [8] And thou shalt command the priests that bear the Ark of the Covenant, saying, when ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan” Joshua 3:7-8 KJV

At the bank of the Jordan River, a place called Gilgal, significant events occurred:

• As the sea parted for them in Exodus, the river parts as the priests and Levites carried the Ark of the Covenant into the river, the water stopped flowing and once again they crossed on dry ground.

• God commanded Joshua to set up a pile of twelve stones in the middle of the river, as well, to mark the place where the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant stood.

• The male Israelites were circumcised at Gilgal, in obedience to God’s commands.

• The first celebration of the Passover in the Promised Land.

The Israelites endured a lot in the 40 years prior as they stood on the threshold of God’s fulfilment of a promise. This made me think of the lesson I learned while reading the book of Joshua. Following Jesus does not come with a clear map; it’s more like navigating a road without being able to see what’s ahead. Your path and direction are not for you to determine, and it can be challenging to follow someone when you’re uncertain of your destination. Following Jesus requires trust in His ability to lead you. Just as you would trust a pilot to safely fly you to your destination, you must trust Jesus to guide you where you need to go. If today you feel lost in the wilderness, have faith in your spiritual pilot, Jesus, and trust in God’s promises.

Prayer: Father, please show me the truth of the promise you have for my life. Let me see the world through your eyes. Help me to trust You with the path and direction You have for my life. You are the King of my world, and I have faith in the direction You want me to go. Amen.