God at Work in History (2): Crossing the Jordan — God Makes a Way Where There Is None

Crossing the Jordan River

Scripture: Joshua 3–4

When Moses led Israel out of Egypt, God opened the Red Sea before them. Now, forty years later, Joshua stands at the edge of another body of water. The Jordan River, swollen with spring floodwaters, blocks the way into the Promised Land.

The lesson is unmistakable. The God who began Israel's redemption is the God who will complete it. His faithfulness did not end with Moses. The Lord Himself goes before His people.

Joshua had already heard God's command:

"Be strong and of a good courage." (Joshua 1:9)

Now the nation would see why courage was possible—not because Israel was strong, but because God was with them.

Preparing to Cross

Joshua instructed the people to consecrate themselves before the Lord.

"Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you." (Joshua 3:5)

Throughout Scripture, God's people are called to prepare their hearts before witnessing His mighty works. Holiness is not the cause of God's grace, but it is the fitting response to His presence.

Joshua also reminded Israel that they were to follow the Ark of the Covenant, carried by the priests. The Ark represented God's dwelling among His people.

Victory would come not by military strategy but by following the Lord wherever He led.

The Waters Stand Still

As soon as the feet of the priests touched the river's edge, the impossible happened.

"The waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap." (Joshua 3:16)

The priests remained standing in the middle of the dry riverbed while the entire nation crossed safely to the other side.

Just as God had opened the Red Sea for Moses, He now opened the Jordan for Joshua. Israel could have no doubt that the same God who delivered them from slavery was now giving them their inheritance.

The miracle also confirmed Joshua's leadership before all the people.

Twelve Stones of Remembrance

Once everyone had crossed, God commanded Joshua to choose twelve men—one from each tribe—to carry twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan and set them up as a memorial.

Joshua explained their purpose:

"When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?" (Joshua 4:21)

The answer would preserve God's mighty acts for future generations.

"Israel came over this Jordan on dry land." (Joshua 4:22)

Biblical faith is rooted in remembrance. God's people are continually called to remember His works, His promises, and His faithfulness.

We easily forget God's blessings, so He gives us reminders through Scripture, the Lord's Supper, baptism, and the testimony of His people.

Christ, Our Greater Joshua

Joshua's name is the Hebrew form of the name Jesus, meaning "The Lord saves."

Joshua led Israel across the Jordan into the earthly Promised Land. Jesus Christ leads His people into an eternal inheritance that can never perish.

The Jordan has often symbolized the believer's passage into God's eternal rest—not because the river itself saves, but because it points us to the One who safely brings His people home.

Every obstacle that stood between us and God was overcome through Christ's death and resurrection. What we could never accomplish ourselves, God accomplished for us.

God Still Makes a Way

The Jordan River reminds us that God's greatest works often begin where human ability ends.

Every believer eventually faces rivers that seem impossible to cross—uncertain futures, suffering, loss, unanswered questions, or challenges beyond our strength.

The same God who stopped the Jordan has not changed.

• Sometimes He removes the obstacle.

• Sometimes He gives strength to walk through it.

• But He always keeps His promise:

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)

Faith does not deny the size of the river. Faith trusts the greatness of the God who stands above it.

Looking Ahead

Next week we will follow Israel to Jericho, where God wins a battle unlike any other in history.

The walls will not fall through superior weapons or military genius, but through obedient faith in the Lord who fights for His people.

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Be of good courage, God spake unto Joshua,

When over the river God pointed the way;

Jordan uncrossable!

Things seemed impossible,

Waters divide as they march and obey.

CHORUS

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?

Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible,

And He will do what no other power can do.

Battles to win! They would meet with their obstacles,

Jericho's walls, too, must fall to the ground.

God never failed; He stood back of His promises,

Walls had to crumble as they marched around.

CHORUS

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?

Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible,

And He will do what no other power can do.

God is the same and His Word is dependable,

He'll make a way through the waters for you;

Life's situations by Him are amendable.

Mountains and hills He will part for you too.

CHORUS

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?

Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible,

And He will do what no other power can do.

Author: Oscar C. Eliason (1942)

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