Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Crossings on Dry Land

Joshua 3

When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt; when the waters of the Red Sea were pushed back so that they could cross over, they were fleeing from the army of Pharoah, lest they should all be taken back into slavery or die.

And now...  Moses' successor, Joshua, is about to lead the whole company through another the water again.  As they leave their wilderness journey they must cross the river Jordan, not into Egypt, not into slavery, but into the promised land.  This time, as Israel crosses over on dry land there are no armies in pursuit of them, they are now the army that will cause people to fear for their lives and their land. 

In the first crossing from Egypt it was the leader's (shepherd's) staff that held back the waters.  But, now it is the Ark of the Covenant that holds back the waters of the Jordan so that the Israelites can cross into the land that the LORD had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Word about the first crossing on dry land had spread far and wide.  Rahab (from yesterday's reading) knew about how God had helped the Israelites escape the Egyptian Army by parting the Red Sea. She knew and so did most everyone else in Jericho and they were afraid.  If they already knew the story of the crossing of the Red Sea and were afraid; and then witness this crossing of the river Jordan, can you imagine the fear that this second crossing of the waters by the multitudes of Israelites all in ritual procession, would cause in the hearts and minds of the people that Israel was about to conquer? 

We too have passed through the waters - the waters of baptism.  There is no need to shrink back in fear from things of this world for God has promised you a kingdom, a place in that promised land.  It is time to take possession of the inheritance that God has promised you.  Do not be afraid. 

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