Although the Jordan River was overflowing its banks that time of year, God performed a miracle for Joshua.

Because the ark of the covenant was sacred and was carried correctly by the priests, God’s presence passed over an impossible obstacle before them. The ark with its mercy seat brought them safe passage. God’s glory showed up!

Even for us, God shows up in impossible ways. We are given a gift (John 1:12) when we trust Him to go ahead and provide our safe passage into “eternal life.” Not only can we receive His Son as Savior (John 17:3) but we can experience this new life while on earth (being part of His family).

From TheBibleHub, “The Apostle Paul also alludes to this in Romans 3:25 , where he writes, “God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.” Here, the term “atoning sacrifice” is often translated as “propitiation,” which directly connects to the concept of the Mercy Seat as the place where God’s wrath is appeased and mercy is granted.”

Someday, we will all cross over the proverbial “Jordan” to our eternal destination. Safe passage will be determined by faith in the ONE whose shoulders can buoy us through the turbulent waters. Those who remain behind will receive comfort from the Holy Spirit of promise. -Teresa #unityinChrist

Joshua 3:11-17 (ESV)

Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth^[b] is passing over before you into the Jordan. ¹² Now therefore take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, from each tribe a man. ¹³ And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.”

¹⁴ So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, ¹⁵ and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), ¹⁶ the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. ¹⁷ Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.

John 1:12 (ESV)

[12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

John 17:3 (ESV)

3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

Philippians 2:1,2 ESV

Christ’s Example of Humility

[1] So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.