In the Bible, a river is often a barrier or obstacle. The Israelites faced two separate bodies of water. What did that represent? Yes, it was a physical barrier, but what did that mean for their spiritual journey?
The Red Sea was a barrier from slavery to freedom. Egypt lay behind them, and in fact, Pharaoh was in hot pursuit. The other river was the Jordan, and crossing over meant entering the Promised Land. In each case the people came right up to the edge of the water and were faced with a choice. "Do we risk the inherent danger in crossing over? We don’t really know what’s on the other side." Or, simply, “Do I trust God or not?”
Trusting God was more than an intellectual assent. It meant putting your foot into a body of water when you couldn’t swim and trusting that the God who led you there would make it safe.
And God is faithful even when we are not. The Israelites saw the Red Sea parted for them. They crossed over even as the waters swallowed up their pursuers. At the Jordan they saw the waters stop – and they crossed on dry land to the other side.
In each case, God intervened in a way that showed His power and care. What would you have felt? Exhilarated? Victorious? Awed?
What did they find on the other side? Once they made it through the Red Sea they found themselves in the…wilderness. Really, God? You rescued me for this? Where is this land of milk and honey You promised?
After crossing the Jordan, the Israelites did make it to the Promised Land. And if we follow Him, so will we. But we will probably not get there in a straight line either. God is going to take us on a scenic route for our own benefit, which likely will include some wilderness time.
When God helps you cross a barrier and you end up in the desert instead of the Promised Land, have faith. That land of milk and honey is still ahead. And God will continue to act. Just keep walking.
What kind of obstacles do you face in your spiritual journey?
What are your expectations of what is on the other side?
