Devotion for September 30, 2008

Crossing Over

Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’" And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh Joshua spoke, saying, "Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, ‘The LORD your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land.’ "Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But you shall pass before your brethren armed, all your mighty men of valor, and help them, "until the LORD has given your brethren rest, as He [gave] you, and they also have taken possession of the land which the LORD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’S servant gave you on this side of the Jordan toward the sunrise." So they answered Joshua, saying, "All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.” (Joshua 1:10-18 NKJV)

Are you ready to cross over? What a glorious day it will be when we pass into the presence of God. Make provisions is the call for in three days you cross. What provisions shall we make to enter the Land?

We should notice that it was an impossible task to ford the Jordan especially should there be an enemy waiting on the other side. They would easily defend the bank as men struggled against the current. Therefore, when Joshua sent out the word to prepare for the crossing, he did so by faith knowing that the Lord would provide the way.

It is interesting that the word went out three days before the crossing. Is there a connection between these three days and the three days Jonah spent in the fish and the three days Christ spent in the tomb? You will have to decide for yourself, but the provision for our crossing is no doubt Christ.

We could not take one step toward heaven if it were not for Christ and His sacrifice. So make provisions for the crossing. Put on the armor of God in preparation. See to it that your faith is anchored in Christ. Then you may stand on the bank and wait with confidence for God to part the waters.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints——” (Ephesians 6:14-18 NKJV)

My dear friends our crossing will not be met with opposition, but with loving arms. Our crossing will not be temporary, but eternal. Our Promised Land will not be earthly, but heavenly. Our rest will not be of body only, but of body and soul for there we will dwell in perfect peace with our God forever.

Do not hold fast to this earthly land. Cling not for that which is to pass away, but cling to that which will never pass away.