Joshua 3: "Standing on Dry Ground"
Joshua 3: "Standing on Dry Ground"
"The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground."
Joshua and the Israelites, who had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, camped before the Jordan River. In three days, they would cross over. This was three days before the fulfillment of the promise of Canaan's land - a promise that stretched back to Abraham.
At this time, Joshua made two requests (commands) to the people and priests:
First, he commanded them to consecrate themselves. What was required of the Israelites entering Canaan with God was holiness - not military might. This holiness would distinguish them from the pagans, setting them apart from those who practiced idolatry and immoral customs. God would fight their battles. Therefore, they needed not weapons, but the holiness God desired.
Second, he commanded the priests carrying the ark of the covenant to step into the Jordan. The Jordan is typically a small river - normally about 1 meter deep and 30 meters wide. However, during flood season, it becomes a mighty river, reaching depths of 30 meters and widths of 1.6 kilometers.
When Joshua and the people crossed the Jordan, it was flood season. To cross the surging waters, they had to take that first step. Unlike the Red Sea, which parted before they crossed, the Jordan required them to step into its rushing waters before the dry ground would appear. This required faith in God's promise. Only such faith could enable them to step into the surging waters.
For Joshua and the people crossing from the wilderness into Canaan, God required two things: holiness and the practice of faith. To walk with God, His people need holiness that sets them apart from the world and faith that acts upon what is unseen.
Do you want to stand on dry ground? Do you wish to possess the promised land? Do you want to live with God? What's needed is distinctive holiness and active faith.
Prayer: Good and righteous God, help us maintain holiness that sets us apart from the world. Grant us the courage to practice what seems like risky faith. Holy Spirit, make us strong and courageous. Amen.