JOSHUA CHAPTER THREE VERSE TEN (Part 1)
by Christian Nwokoye

GLORY TO THE MOSTHIGH!

It is indeed, immensely reassuring when we take time to reflect over the surpassing gracious understanding, wisdom, might and limitless power of the LOFTY ONE whom we have as our FATHER, who in shepherding us, always gets us involved with situations, not just for the now, but for the unforeseen, distant, uncertain future.  That was why Caleb and Joshua, when they were confronted with the Red Sea ordeal during the mass exodus, when they were very much uncomfortably sandwiched between the Devil himself and the formidable mighty waters of the open sea, got it perfectly settled in their heart that HE WHO REIGNS SUPREME, would, without fail, do it again!  And that, without even a single qualm of misgiving! How come they knew it? Because they witnessed His introductory mettle in Egypt, the sampling of the specimen of His sovereign capabilities!

That was why David, when confronted with the towering menace that was Goliath of Gath, in the battle-field of Ephesdammim, rather than being overawed by the awfully disproportionate challenge, could not even wait to root the doomed infidel of a monster off the surface of the earth!  David's perception had gone far ahead beyond all the vain show of sizes and armoury, to seeing the pagan defenceless wretch being laid flat on his back in one single sweeping defeat!  why!  Because of previous exploits and bravado experiences with bears and lions!

And so it was, that the nation of Israel, after the death of Moses,  was about to conclude their journey by entering Canaan, where they were to come face-to-face with the greatest feat and challenge of their wilderness experience, represented by confrontations with the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizites, the Girgashites, and the Amorites and the Jebusites!  And what's more: a change of command, from Moses to Joshua, at which the Israelites had already expressed their expectation of equal competence and credibility from their new leader, Joshua, by their earlier response to him as found in chapter one, verses 16 and 17: 'All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.  According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee , as He was with Moses...'  Indicating, that they were with him as long as the Lord was with him as He was with Moses!

And so to build up these two-fold confidence and assurance into the heart of the people, for the change of command and for the  great future Canaanite challenges, He had to contrive the Jordan Crossing situation, which He gave Joshua himself the privilege of announcing from chapter three, verse ten... through thirteen.  As soon as the sole of the feet of the Ark-carrying priests made the barest contact with water, a lightening torpedo was consequently activated that tore through the proud waves of the Jordan river, with both mighty walls of water beating rapid retreat, leaving behind a dry river-bed!

I am perfectly convinced that it was this spectacular Jordan experience that emboldened and encouraged the people on towards the great exploits of total demolition  and conquest of Jericho, Ai, the shites and  zites! And then the ultimate settlement and rest.
Similarly, I do believe, that whatever situation we are all going through at the moment is our own 'Jordan experience' that will get us ready for the HORSEMEN AND CHARIOTS!  No doubt, the Jordan might  initially look intimidating  and formidable, but if we remember HIM that is WORTHY!  HE that WORTHS IT! Remember, 'The Eternal God Is Our Refuge, And Underneath Are The Everlasting Arms...'  'HE THAT SITS UPON THE THRONE ... THAT LIVES FOR EVER AND EVER'  Before we even know it, His torpedo has made a way !!!

REMAIN BLESSED