Crossing the Jordan River—Stepping Out in Faith

(3) Crossing the Jordan River—Stepping Out in Faith
(Joshua 3 & 4)

Rev. Sara Pyon

 I. Stepping out in faith involved a commitment to act on God’s promises
Moses and the 1st generation crossing the Red Sea:
Were running away from the Egyptian Army
Had nothing to lose – go back to slavery or die
Joshua and the 2nd generation crossing the Jordan River
Were entering Canaan to conquer the Promised Land
Could have settled in the east of the Jordan

 II. Stepping out in faith required rallying around the presence of God
People had to consecrate themselves first (3:5)
Required continued focus on God – the Ark of the Covenant

 III. Stepping out in faith required the perseverance to fully carry out God’s plan
  (3:14-17, 4:1-5)
Required the obedience of the priests to lead the way
Required the obedience of the 12 tribal representatives to build a memorial

 IV. God exalted and used Joshua to accomplish His purpose (3:7; 4:14, 23-24)
It’s all about God, never about us!
Because the Promised Land had yet to be conquered, not just entered

 V. The cross: The ultimate memorial that keeps us going

 VI. Reflection
Where do we see evidences that the living God is working in the midst of our church? What are the obstacles that stand in the way of us fully claiming God’s promises for victory?
Are you willing to consecrate yourself anew to God’s purposes for you?  What will you do?
What are the stones you have erected (stories you share) in your family to reinforce the reality of God’s presence and power?