“As soon as… the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap, and… were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho… on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.”
“And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood…
“About 40,000 ready for war passed over before the Lord for battle, to the plains of Jericho. On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel…
“And the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Command the priests bearing the ark of the testimony to come up out of the Jordan.’ So Joshua commanded the priests, ‘Come up out of the Jordan.’ And when the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord came up from the midst of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up on dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed all its banks, as before.
“The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they encamped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho.” Joshua 3:15-17; 4:9-10,13-19
Joshua had been young when delivered from Egypt through the Red Sea, and now he’d moved from individual in the midst of the exodus to leader of the nation. The Lord had used his experience and observances as youth in the masses to bold spy representing Ephraim’s tribe to Moses’ assistant and understudy to prepare him to lead Israel himself. If God would part the Sea, surely He would the River. And if God would work this miracle doubly on his behalf, He surely would never forsake him going forward. Joshua became God’s man by living as God’s man. (Exodus 24:12-18; Numbers 13:1-8,21-30; 14:6-10; Joshua 1:1-6; 3:7-17; 5:13-15)
Obedience to God always brings blessing and a fresh experience of His faithfulness. Continual obedience proves Him- His word and character- over and over. In developing His children, He knows best what and how many lessons we need to best serve His kingdom purposes. Multiple lessons effect multiplied faith, strength to strength that builds deep communion, Christian character and courage. Every yes to the Lord builds muscle for the next step or journey. (Psalm 84:7)
What lessons has the Lord been teaching in the midst of work, stresses, and responsibilities? Are we implementing them with confidence as new calls to trust arise? Have we voiced gratitude for His repeated kindnesses and training?
Where and how has He specifically called us to obey? By taking a brave stand against immorality? Taking on a new service in the church or community? Taking up for the underdog, downcast, or disenfranchised? Going the extra mile even when no one notices? Overcoming evil with good? How has He proved Himself as sufficient? Will we go in that victory to seize the next opportunity to obey, to stand up and out for Him? He always finishes what He begins for our good and His glory. (Romans 12:9-21; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Philippians 1:6)
Lord, help me embrace and apply every lesson for Your honor and ends.
As the rain and snow 