Sep 28, 2025 “Step Into The River” (Joshua 3:5-8)

Joshua 3:5-8 New International Version

⁵ Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”

⁶ Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them.

⁷ And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.

⁸ Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’”

Step Into The River 

Joshua 3:5-8

 

We read about how the Israelites were ready to go into the promised land. Similar to leaving Egypt, we see the Israelites cross the red sea. At that time, God first parted the waters to let them cross. The miracle happened first.

 

With crossing the Jordan River, the priests had to step into the water before it parted. God was testing their faith again God wanted them to grow in faith and obedience.

 

Our God is strong and He will rescue us. But we need faith and to be obedient.

 

Often, we want God to show us that He is listening to us and is ready to help us. We want to see the waters part first before we move forward.

 

We should not stop, waiting for God to act. We need to step out and act in faith. God will be with us even when we make mistakes.

 

What kind of mindset should we have?

 

Joshua 3:5 ESV

[5] Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

 

We need to cleanse ourselves first. We need to fully walk away from Sin. We have to be free from sin. It is not as easy to say no to sin, moreover, we need to say yes to God.

 

Joshua 3:6 ESV

[6] And Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on before the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people.

 

God's word and presence went before them in the Ark of the Covenant. We need to stay close to God and that means knowing and following God's word. Drawing closer to God will keep us from sin. God's word will.

 

Everyone of us must cross the Jordan River at some time. We might want to see the miracle first before we act. God wants us to take a step first to let our faith grow.

 

The same God, who parted the Red Sea, parted the Jordan River, and brought down the walls of Jericho is the same God who gave His Son for us. We can look at the cross and see His guarantee

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