Bible Study: Crossing the River Jordan

The events surrounding the crossing of the River Jordan by the Israelites can teach us the following lessons:

1. How to Prepare for a Move of God

Click on the link to read How to Prepare for a move of God

2. God can Solve Similar Problems in Different Ways

When the Israelites were crossing the Red Sea, God told Moses to stretch out his hand over it and when he did, God caused the sea to go back because of a strong wind which turned the sea into dry land and divided the water. The Israelites thus went into the middle of the sea on dry ground because the waters were a wall on their right hand and on their left. (Exodus 14:21-22) 

However, when the Israelites were crossing the River Jordan,  God told Joshua, "As soon as the soles of the priests who carry the ark of the Lord step into the waters of the Jordan, the waters will be cut off and the waters which come from upstream shall stand like a heap." (Joshua 3:13) 

Thus we can see that in both instances the Israelites faced the problem of crossing large bodies of water without a boat or a bridge. However, in both instances, God solved the problem in different ways.  

Red Sea Crossing
1. God parts the water on both sides.

2. The Israelites step on dry ground in the middle of the sea

River Jordan Crossing
1. God tells Israelite priests to step into the water

2. God dams the water on one side

We can thus see that God used different techniques to help the Israelites solve their similar problem of crossing the Red Sea and the River Jordan.

Therefore when you are dealing with a problem that is similar to the one you dealt with in your past, understand that God can come in a different way so that you always pray and ask Him what you should do to solve the problem the next time it recurs. 

Never assume that God wants you to use the solution you used the last time to solve your problem. For more on this topic read, How to Deal with Recurrent Problems. 

3. God can use problems to strengthen your faith

When the Israelites were crossing the River Jordan, God told them to first enter the River Jordan and then He would stop its waters.

For the Israelite priests to step into the flooded waters, they must have had faith that God would do what He had said even though He had done it differently at the Red Sea crossing.

In addition, when the Israelite priests stepped into the River Jordan, God stopped the waters Very far away at a city known as Adam. (Joshua 3:16) This means that all the waters that were between Adam and the priests had to pass the priests before the river became dry ground. 

This shows you that you have to Be patient in tribulation and continue steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12) especially when God has told you that He has solved your problem and yet you cannot see the solution.

In addition, strengthen your faith by deciding to believe that the solution from God is on the way the way the priests must have kept believing that God had stopped the waters while all the waters from  Adam flowed past them.

Therefore even when your life is flooded with problems and God has told you that He has solved them for you, strengthen your faith by deciding to believe that God has done what He said He will do and you only have to wait for the solution to materialize in your life.

In addition, know that sometimes when God tells you that He has solved your problem you may have to suffer for some time in the middle of the problem while you wait for God's solution to arrive and be manifested in your life. 

Therefore hold on to the Word that God has given you like Abraham for He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief but he was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God and being fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform. (Romans 4:20-21)  

4. Remember God's Goodness

God told Joshua to ask 12 men from all the tribes of Israel to take 12 stones from the place in the middle of the Jordan where the priests stood. 

These 12 stones were to be a sign and a memorial so that when their children asked them in the future what they meant,t hey would tell them that "The Israelites crossed over the River Jordan on dry land" for God dried up the waters until they had crossed over just as He had done to the Red Sea which had dried up until we crossed so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty and that you may fear the Lord your God forever. (Joshua 4:1-24)

Therefore when God does something mighty and solves a great problem for you keep a remembrance. For example if He delivers you from unemployment and gives you a great job, keep a few f the old clothes that you used to wear to remind you of where God has brought you from Lest when you have eaten and are full and have built beautiful houses and live in them and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold are multiplied and all that you have is multiplied your heart is lifted up and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, the house of bondage; 

God Who led you through the wilderness where there were fierce snakes and scorpions and no water; 

God Who brought you water out of the flinty rock;

God Who fed you in the wilderness with manna which your ancestors did not know so that He might humble you and test you in order that He might do you good in the end - then you say in your heart, "My power and the might of my hand have given me this wealth". (Deuteronomy 8:12-17)