Devotion 26 October 2026

Paul wrote, “ We also thank God continually because, when you received the Word of God, ---you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the Word of God, which is at work in you who believe.  1 Thessalonians 2: 13

READING: Joshua 3: 7-8, 13-17

I think that many of us know the story of the Israelites escaping Egypt and crossing the Red Sea.  But of equal importance is the crossing of the River Jordan when the Israelites entered the promised land, which God had promised before through Moses.  Now the Israelites having spent 30 years wandering in the wilderness, are beginning a new life under a new leader, Joshua.  God had prepared the Israelites for this transition of the leadership and He had chosen Joshua to lead before Mosses’ death.  God’s transformative power was present with the Israelites and guided them through this period of transition and new beginnings.  Crossing the Jordan echoes the power of God in the dividing the Red Sea.  God again instructed the leaders in the process they had to follow.  The priests carrying the Ark of the Lord had to step into the Jordan at which time the waters of the Jordan, which were in flood, would stop upstream and the Israelites would be able to cross on dry land.  “The priests who carried the Ark of the covenant stood firm on dry land in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry land.” (verse 17).  What an amazing miracle!  God now leads the people into the new territory, preparing the way and ensuring their safety.

Reading about this amazing miracle should cause us to consider how God’s amazing power, guidance and love can play a part in the crossings of the rivers of life that we as individuals and as communities of Christian Fellowship are going through and should seek and acknowledge Him.  Crossing of these rivers should be a time of spiritual growth and of trust in the ever-present Lord in our lives.

Prayer

“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way!  While we do His good will He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey!  Trust and obey!  For there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”   Praise the Lord!  Amen. (SOF 599)