RPG Adults
THE MIRACLE OF CROSSING RIVER JORDAN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
Joshua 4:11-18
Psalm 31:1-8
“For thou art my rock
and my fortress; therefore for
thy name’s sake lead me…”
THE MIRACLE OF CROSSING RIVER JORDAN
The marching of Israel was orderly; we are told from the text that the number of the army of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh was forty thousand. The rest of the tribes would be larger as they included their wives, children and livestock. That was indeed a great multitude. The movement was, however, orderly. Each tribe had their own side and every person was accounted for since they had leaders of thousands down to ten. Every one of them had to be at their place and the leader of every group reported to his superior.
The book of Numbers tells of the efficiency of that system. It worked well in the time of Moses, and Joshua inherited and made full use of it. The primary concern at this point was how the directive of God was to be fulfilled. The tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh kept the promise that they had made to Moses and were at the forefront in crossing River Jordan, ready to fight. Here was an expression of unity in the conquest of Canaan. Israel was now on the plains of Jericho and was waiting for Joshua’s orders. Everything was going according to schedule and there was a marked cooperation of all the twelve tribes and their leader to bring to pass God’s promise to them. They had learned well their lesson and were ready to do as God commanded.
Matthew Henry made this observation about the setting up of the stones: “The works of the Lord are so worthy of remembrance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our advantage, and that of our children. God gave orders for preparing this memorial.”
Though God had done great miracles among the children of Israel, the crossing of River Jordan authenticated the appointment and capability of Joshua to lead. After they were all clear past River Jordan, the river returned to its normal course and overflowed its banks. The text says that Israel feared Joshua as they feared Moses. It was the first major miracle after he took over the leadership from Moses.
THOUGHT: God raises and uses leaders who are worthy.
PRAYER: Father, give us leaders who are worthy and faithful.