Entering the promised land

But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven.

For years believers have sung the words of Samuel Stennett, who wrote about standing on Jordan’s stormy banks and casting a wistful eye “to Canaan’s fair and happy land.” Crossing the Jordan – much like believing in Jesus Christ today – was the end of their troubles and the beginning of a life of bliss, right? Wrong. But there are some parallels that can be considered by the serious student of God’s Word.

First, leaving Egypt meant leaving the world, facing the unknown future by faith. “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Crossing the Jordan was like drawing a line in the sand, stepping across it and saying, “I’m committed. There is no turning back. By the grace of God and with His help I’ll move ahead.”

Do you remember that the waters of the Jordan didn’t stop flowing until the sole of the priest’s sandal hit the surface of the water? God doesn’t move those mountains until you are willing to take the first step, and when you pick up your pack and are ready to move, only then will you see the waters roll back.

Once God’s people crossed the Jordan, everything came together, right? Wrong again. Yes, it was a land of milk and honey, but the battles only began once they crossed the Jordan and faced Jericho. The land was inhabited by enemies that had to be faced one at a time.

Possessing the land was a time of testing when God’s people discovered how strong He is and how He went before them to give them what He had promised. You’ll see your own struggles and triumphs in those of His people, the ones who crossed the Jordan and never turned back.

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:1-6