At the River’s Edge

Ever been in a situation that seems just too big, too deep and basically moving way too fast that you feel it is impossible to cross or get through?  You begin to look for alternatives to get to the other side.  But frankly there aren’t any.  You just have to – go through.

Joshua chapter 3.  Brief building-up-to summary; Moses guides the Israelites out of Egypt and out of slavery.  They are heading to the Promised Land.  They wander for forty years.  Following Moses’ death, Joshua, who now holds the reins of leadership, prepares the people to cross the Jordon.  Their tents are pitched at the river’s edge. 

They could see it, after all those years, THERE it was! Only the river stands between them and their inherited land.  The river is at flood stage.  It is bigger, wider, faster and deeper than expected.  Joshua summons the people, “Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” (v.5).  Yes, God’s going to have to do something amazing to get them through!  Amazing.

As instructed by God, Joshua has the priests head out first, carrying the ark of the covenant, representing God’s very presence, on their shoulders. “When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s water, go and stand in the river.” (v.8). Just stand. As they did, upriver, the water backed up, the flow stopped.  They walked to the middle of the river.  Standing firm on dry ground the Israelites passed by, the priests stayed right there until all passed to the other side. Twelve men were chosen to gather a stone from the river and take it with them to the other side, building an altar. God solidly and very clearly getting them through troubled waters! Indeed proving that what lies on the other side, they would (with His help) be able to conquer, whatever and whoever.

Interesting, we can connect this to the story where God tells Abe and Sarah that in their old age, they will have a son and remember Sarah laughs? (Genesis 18:14). God responds, “Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.” Too hard, it is the same Hebrew amazing word as in Joshua. Is anything too hard for God? No. THAT is our amazing God!

Like with Israel, the rivers edge is a meeting place with God. A place of dedication, devotion and purpose. Coming to the river is a place of decision. Our inheritance (joy, freedom, assurance, security, love…) awaits us on the other side. Our option? Cross or stay.  Stay, just watch the water go on by. Or turn back … into the desert, wander some more, go back into captivity.

We do as the twelve rock toting men did, we take something from the river as a reminder and build in our heart as an altar before God. Here and now YOU preserved me, YOU brought me through, YOUR presence stayed there in the middle of it all, delivering me to the other side!

Delivering waters need to be crossed. God with us, God in us, God delivering us from what we deem impossible – impassable.  THAT is our amazing God!

At the river’s edge.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)