Read Joshua 3-4

Crossing the Jordan

God often used extraordinary events to demonstrate His approval of an individual. In the case of Moses, He worked many signs in the presence of Pharaoh and later in the presence of the children of Israel. In Joshua’s case, the Lord again demonstrated that He was with Joshua as the leader of Israel. “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (Joshua 3:7). Perhaps there was some trepidation among the people after the passing of the man who led them out of Egypt; God wanted to set their minds at ease and show that He was still their protector and guide, and that He was now working through Joshua the son of Nun.

Just as the children of Israel passed through the Red Sea on dry ground, on this occasion they passed through the Jordan in the same manner. “About forty thousand prepared for war crossed over before the Lord for battle, to the plains of Jericho” (Joshua 4:13). Finally, they were preparing to fully obey the Lord and take what He had given them.

As a memorial of this event, Joshua commanded twelve men to each take a stone from the Jordan. These twelve stones were set up in Gilgal as a reminder of what God had done for them and as a teaching opportunity for future generations.

What extraordinary events has God done to show that He is with you? Did you read your Bible today? That book is the product of miraculous inspiration! Have you reflected recently upon Jesus’ crucifixion? That demonstrated the powerful love of God for you! How long has it been since you read about the resurrection of Jesus? That act proved His power over death!

What in your life resembles the memorial stones? Did you partake in the Lord’s Supper this past Sunday? There you have the weekly reminder of that love that drove Jesus to the cross.

How do we know that God is with us today? When we live according to the words that He revealed in the Scriptures, when we remember His Son’s death each first day of the week, and when we look forward with hopeful anticipation to the resurrection, we can know that God is with us. “For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection” (Romans 6:5).