God is the same yesterday, today and forever and His plan of redemption for the heavens and the earth has been in place even before the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8) God already knew that there would be a rebellion against Him in heaven led by Lucifer and infiltrating one-third of the angels that would be cast down to earth. He knew that Lucifer would become an adversary called Satan and would lead Adam and Eve into disobedience that would have consequences. The dominion designed for Adam and all mankind was forfeited to Satan who became the “god” of this world system. It has been and still is God’s plan for mankind to have a relationship with them with Him as Father and mankind as His children. God’s plan for His Lamb (His Son) is found on the pages of the Bible from Genesis through Revelation as Jesus was obedient to God the Father’s will to the point of His suffering and atoning death, which was a sufficient sacrifice for His subsequent resurrection. There are certain places deemed sacred in scripture throughout the Bible—i.e. Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives and the Jordan River to name a few. We will glean lessons from the Jordan River that can be applied to where we are today.
The Jordan River seems to hold a significant place in the history of God’s people in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament. It often refers to a freedom that comes after a long season of adversity and waiting. The first mention of the Jordan occurs in the story of Abram and Lot, where Lot chose for himself “all the plain of Jordan” (Gen. 13:11). The next time we come upon it, it was when Jacob had a personal encounter with the Angel of the LORD (preincarnate Christ) when his name was changed to Israel—a Prince who has power with God and man. (Gen. 32: 24-30) The Jordan appears as the scene of several miracles, the first taking place when the Jordan, near Jericho, was crossed by the Israelites under Joshua (Joshua 3: 15-17). The waters of the Jordan are a turning point and represent freedom from oppression, breakthrough, and deliverance. After an 11 day flight from Egypt turned into a 40-year multi-generational journey the preparation for this crossing has valuable lessons for us today in our journey as Solomon so wisely said: “The thing that has been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us.”
God had made promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’s descendants concerning a Promised Land which was located across Jordan. God preformed miracles of judgment upon Pharoah and the land of Egypt as He freed them from slavery, oppression and an evil culture that worshiped gods. We see God’s hand ruling and overruling to free His people. Let’s look at some of the events that occurred after the last plague where the blood of lambs placed upon the doorposts saved them from the death angel. We know that this was a foreshadowing of the Lamb of God that redeems His people from Satan’s control. In Genesis 13: 14 Moses confirms that it was by the strength of the hand of the LORD that brought them out from Egypt, from the house of bondage. LORD in the Old Testament is Jehovah—Jesus before His birth into this world to complete God’s plan of redemption.
In Genesis 13: 21-22 we read where the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud and by night as a pillar of fire teaching the people to trust Him as their all in all. He would perform a series of miracles to build their faith and dependence in Him. However, shortly after being delivered from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites began to complain about one thing after the other. Through Moses’ perseverance and God’s understanding and love, their concerns were alleviated.
Complaint God’s remedy Reference
Pharoah’s soldiers will kill us! Red sea divided Ex. 14: 11-12
What shall we drink? Water sweetened at Marah Ex. 15: 24
We will die of hunger! Manna sent from heaven Ex. 16: 3
Will we die of thirst? Water from a rock Ex. 17: 3
Who will give us meat? Quails sent Num. 11: 4
In the 11 days from Egypt to Sinai God used these miracles to develop and discipline them to follow Him. The Red Sea suggests the Cross as that which separates us from Egypt, the world. (Gal. 6: 14) God’s provision revealed His power to give rest and refreshment along the way. At Sinai, God revealed His holiness and His requirement for obedience and blessing. Because of Israel’s unbelief, when they reached Kadesh-Barnea they would not enter Canaan after hearing the report of the spies that Moses sent from the wilderness of Paran into the land of promise (Num. 31:1-14:39), a journey which should have required eleven days was prolonged to forty years. The people had obeyed God in sprinkling the blood and coming out of Egypt, but did not enter the Canaan rest because of unbelief and disobedience.
There was a great separation that occurred within God’s people and that generation were not able to cross Jordan and died in the wilderness. Only those 20 years old or younger entered the Promised Land with Joshua and Caleb. Let us focus on these key Bible verses: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.” (Joshua 3: 3-4) “He (God) did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.” (Joshua 4: 24) God wanted Israel to learn important lessons from the miracle of crossing the Jordan River. First, God demonstrated that He was with Joshua as He had been with Moses. The ark of the covenant was God’s throne or dwelling place on earth as the centerpiece of the crossing of the Jordan River account. Second, the Lord revealed that His wonder-working strength would enable the people to conquer every enemy they faced. Most of the year, the Jordan River was about 100 feet wide and only three to ten feet deep. However, when the Israelites crossed, it was at flood stage, overflowing its banks. Nothing but the mighty hand of God could have parted it and made it safe for His people to cross. And no enemy can overcome God’s mighty power! Parting the Jordan reinforced God’s love for this new generation. Crossing into the Promised Land also represented a break with Israel’s past. When the daily provision of manna stopped, it forced the people to conquer their enemies and subdue the land God intended for them.
It appears that we as a nation and especially in the church body have reached a turning point on the way to freedom. How do we break the “wilderness cycle” and get to the place of crossing? Life is unpredictable and Jesus Himself tells us that in this life we will have trouble (John 16:33). Proverbs 95: 8-11 warns us not to follow the ways of the wandering Israelites who hardened their heart, tested God and challenged Him even though they had seen His work. It is time for us to wake up and do a heart check for the following attitudes so that we can cross over our own Jordan River. (1) We are commanded to love the Lord our God and worship Him only and meditate on His Word day and night. (2) We must develop spiritual disciplines—personal time of prayer, reading the Word and hearing the Word. (3) We must not forsake the fellowship of believers and give in to philosophies and ways that are not of God. (4) Stop complaining and focusing on the problems and instead focus on God and trust Him who is faithful. (4) Repentance is foundational in experiencing a turnaround in our lives. The more we lack spiritual discipline and rely on our own understanding, the more our unrepentant nature will ensnare us. No matter where we are in life, Christ is always ready to meet us there. We are never too far gone to accept His mercy and grace. It was in the Jordan where Jesus was baptized and where the Spirit descended upon Him as God declared that “This is My Son in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11) Through baptism in the New Testament, the Jordan River is associated with crossing over into a new life of spiritual freedom. Jesus gives us the hope of salvation and healing because while we were yet sinners, He died for us (Isaiah 53:5, Romans 5:8). We never know the day or hour of Christ’s return. Let us get ready to cross over!