Joshua 4:10 - Come on now, you can do it!

"Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything the Lord had commanded Joshua was done by the people, just as Moses had directed Joshua."

Oh, the glory of the Lord, His mercies to us never ceases to amaze me.  These Old Testament word pictures are simply astounding.  The Israelites are crossing over the Jordan into the Promised Land.  History tells us that the Jordan River was at flood stage at this time of the year, so the river was raging and there was no feasible way for Israel to cross without drowning.  The priests are ordered to take up the Ark of the Covenant, which was the physical habitation of the Lord at that time, and walk into the middle of the Jordan River.  No small feat for a fearful people but the priests were obedient.  Immediately their feet touched water, it began to part until they stood in the middle of the river bed and a path for the people had been made.  Another parting of the sea, this time for a new generation of Israelites. 

So, what is the meaning of this verse and how does it apply to us today?  When God orders something done, when we are obedient to Him, He is ALWAYS in the center of it.  Our Master does not command us to do anything that He is not always a part of.  He does not leave us stranded, as orphans, but stays with us, never leaving us.  He has promised that and He is true to His word.  In the Old Testament, God was present in the Ark of the Covenant, a visible sign to Israel of His presence and power.  Today, Jesus Christ is present with us by the power of His Holy Spirit in a one-on-one personal relationship.  He is still with us in everything we do.   He still guides and directs us, leading us in the path of righteousness for His namesake.

Just as Israel had to step out in blind, unfaltering obedience, fully trusting in the saving power of God Almighty, so we must also follow, most times blindly, but always trusting in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ.   When we do, we are always blessed.   Trust and obey, there is no other way . . . the old hymn says it so beautifully.   Our Savior and Master has never let us down and He never will.  And just as He gave the O.T. priests the tools to do what He asked (take the Ark and stand in the middle of the river), He also provides us with whatever tools are necessary to carry out His commands today.  He never sends us unequipped or unattended.   When we refuse to act on what the Lord has asked of us, we are simply stating that we don't believe God will do what he says.   Our faith must be total and unfaltering, pure blind trust in the Lord.  

Is your trust in the Lord complete or do you hold back?   What is it that stops your complete faith in Jesus?

"Loving Lord, it is so easy for me to say I have faith and so hard to fully walk in it.  Forgive me my lack of trust.  Strengthen me by Your most Holy Spirit, fill me with faith and trust so that I will respond instantly when you ask.  I believe that Your word is true, make it revelation in my spirit.  Help me to be the child You created me to be.  Amen."

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

Luke 22:32

Joshua 1:5
Numbers 23:19
Psalm 100:5
            145:13
Proverbs 2:8
Matthew 8:26
                 9:22
                13:58
Mark 4:40
           6:6
James 14:18
1 John 2:21