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Joshua is the first book in the section of the Protestant Bible known as the “Historical Books.” Named for its main character, the book of Joshua tells of the conquest of the land of Canaan by the Israelites. By the third chapter, the people of Israel were standing on the Moab side of the Jordan River, wondering what to do. Unlike their ancestors on the edge of the Red Sea, they had no Moses to lift his hand to part the waters. The Moses generation was passing away and the Joshua generation was rising up.
But God was with the Israelites on the banks of the Jordan River, and God had just made a promise to their new leader. “I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel,” said the LORD to Joshua, “so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses” (Josh 3:7). God also told Joshua to command the priests who were bearing the ark of the covenant, the box which contained the law of Moses and which represented the presence of God. Joshua said to them, “When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan” (Josh 3:8). And then he said to the people, “Draw near and hear the words of the LORD your God” (Josh 3:9).
Begin by listening, said Joshua. Stand still and hear the words of God. Joshua instructed the people to fall into formation behind God, not to march ahead of God. This was demonstrated when the people set out from their tents and “the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people” (Josh 3:14). The ark represented the presence and the power of “the living God,” moving ahead of the people (Josh 3:10).
We are challenged to do the same today: To listen to the word of God and follow where the living God leads us. Our Lord wants to guide us in the path that is best for us, giving us words designed to maximize our health and happiness. These include the words of Moses, “remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy” (Exod 20:8); the counsel of Isaiah, “seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow” (Isa 1:17); and the command of Jesus, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt 5:44). All of this is meant to help us, not to hurt us. Keeping the sabbath gives us time for rest and renewal, caring for the poor makes our community a better place, and loving our enemies breaks the cycle of violence and revenge. Even comedian Stephen Colbert, known for his sarcastic political commentary, is a deeply committed Christian who fights for the rights of migrant workers and believes that God wants us to experience justice and joy. He put a note on his computer which said, “Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” Begin by listening, said Joshua — draw near and hear the word of the Lord. You will be given real guidance, and maybe even joy.
After listening, we are to move forward one small step at a time. When “those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped into the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap” (Josh 3:15-16). Notice that the priests just dipped their feet into the edge of the water, instead of plunging into the deepest part of the river. They watched and waited for God to act, which happened moments later when the waters rose up in a heap. Then the “people crossed over opposite Jericho” (Josh 3:16).
Where is it that you, as an individual, are challenged to put your feet into the water, and see what God will do? Perhaps you are feeling tension in a relationship with a friend or relative, and need to pick up the phone and talk. Maybe there is a coworker you distrust, but could get to know better over coffee. It could be that your neighborhood is full of isolated individuals and families, and God is leading you to pull people together through a block party. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just the first step. If you take a step toward healing and peace, God will protect you.
Finally, keep your eyes on the future, not the past. Joshua tells us that “the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan” (Josh 3:17). Then, the priests “came up from the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet touched dry ground, [and] the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed all its banks, as before” (Josh 4:18). As soon as the people crossed the river, it began to flow again. The people kept moving forward, leaving the rushing river behind them.
We are challenged to look to the future as well, without beating ourselves up over the mistakes of the past. The crossing of the Jordan River is one of the Bible’s greatest hits because it tells us that our security comes from the God who walks with us into the future, giving us the help we need each day. Along with the people of Israel, we are challenged to walk by faith into the Promised Land, surrounded by the presence and the power of the living God.
Questions:
1. When do you take time to stand still and listen for the voice of God?
2. How are you moving forward in faith, one small step at a time?
3. What is the value of looking to the future instead of the past?
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