Early the next morning Joshua and all the Israelites left Acacia Grove and arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, where they camped before crossing. Three days later the Israelite officers went through the camp, giving these instructions to the people: “When you see the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, move out from your positions and follow them. Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about half a mile behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you don’t come any closer.” Then Joshua told the people, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you.” [Joshua 3.1-5]
I am intrigued today by the timing of this event. Israel approached the Jordan river, but did not immediately cross it. Instead, they camped and waited three days.
It was in that three days that apparently God gave the instructions about how to cross the Jordan.
I wonder what the people were thinking as they camped there beside the Jordan river? Whatever it was, they had three days to think about it! The Jordan, though no Red Sea, was an obstacle right in front of them.
I am sure Israel could have had thoughts about swimming/floating across the Jordan at this time and place. It would take preparation... but what about the Ark of the Covenant? The Ark could only be carried on the shoulders of the Priests (we would see later that an attempt to cart the Ark ended in disaster).
I am guessing this three days was very similar to the time we sometimes wait before God for direction. We may have our obstacle right in front of us, but we wait. We've heard stories about the Red Sea and wonder if God might once again move in that way...
Sure enough, God had a plan. And, in that plan God also confirmed His servant Joshua. Just as Moses led Israel through the Red Sea, so Joshua, in that same Spirit and authority led Israel across the Jordan.
The lesson is, if we are willing to wait before Yahweh our Father, He will confirm His direction and show Himself mighty!
Father, help me to faithfully camp (or wait) beside my obstacles and allow You to show the way through them!
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