Stepping into the Shallows of Faith

In the heart of the book of Joshua lies a powerful depiction of faith and divine intervention. Joshua 3:13, KJV proclaims: "And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap." This verse encapsulates an extraordinary moment where the Israelites were called to trust in the Lord as they prepared to cross the formidable Jordan River and enter the Promised Land.

The backdrop of this story is one of transition and anticipation. After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the Israelites stand on the brink of a new beginning. The river before them is swollen with spring floods, a daunting barrier between where they are and where they are called to be. In many ways, this river represents the challenges and fears we face as we seek to move forward in our lives. Each of us has our own ‘Jordan’—situations that appear insurmountable, obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. Yet, like the Israelites, we are called to step forward in faith.

The role of the priests in this narrative is particularly significant. They were the chosen bearers of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among the people. Their act of stepping into the waters of the Jordan was an act of profound faith. The waters did not part until they took that first step. This exemplifies a crucial principle in our walk with God: often, we must take the first step before we see Him work. It is in that initial act of obedience where faith becomes active. As James 2:17 reminds us, "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

Moreover, the phrase "the soles of the feet of the priests" emphasizes the personal, tangible nature of their faith. It wasn’t just a symbolic gesture; it required vulnerability and the willingness to trust deeply in God's promise. This teaches us the importance of not only believing in God's power but also engaging with it. We must plant our feet on the uncertain ground of our circumstances, trusting that the God of all the earth has the power to change the situation.

The description of the waters standing "upon an heap" is a vivid reminder of God’s might. When we align ourselves with God’s purposes and obey His commands, He performs miraculous works in our lives. The river did not merely reduce to a trickle; it stood in a heap, showcasing the greatness of God's power. We often forget the extent of God’s capabilities. Our limited vision often confines God to the bounds of our understanding. Yet, in this moment of Israel’s history, God’s power was on full display, revealing that He could accomplish what seemed beyond reach.

As we insert ourselves into this narrative, we can contemplate what stepping into the Jordan looks like for us. Perhaps it is forgiving someone who has wronged us, pushing forward in a career change, or responding to a calling despite our fears. Whatever the Jordan may be in our lives, we must take that leap, just as the priests did, understanding that God does not call us to wade into the shallow waters of faith. Instead, He invites us to take a bold step into the deep, trusting that He will hold the waters back.

In conclusion, Joshua 3:13 invites us to reflect on our faith journey. Are we willing to let our feet meet the waters of our challenges? Do we trust in the Lord of all the earth enough to step forward without knowing what lies ahead? As we ponder these questions, may we lean into the promise that God works in response to our faith, performing the miraculous when we step out boldly into the waters of our Jordan.

Artwork for Joshua 3:13

Joshua 3:13 - "And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap."

"And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap." - Joshua 3:13

Joshua 13:3 - "From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:"

Joshua 14:13 - "And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance."

Joshua 5:13

Joshua 13:18 - "And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,"

Joshua 11:13 - "But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn."

Joshua 5:3 - "And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins."

Joshua 9:3 - "¶ And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai,"

Joshua 3:4

Joshua 3:16

Joshua 3:14

Joshua 3:14

Joshua 1:3

Joshua 3:14

Joshua 3:14

Joshua 3:4

Joshua 3:5 - "And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you."

Joshua 3:9 - "¶ And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God."

Joshua 5:13 (KJVA) 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?

Zechariah 3:3 - "Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel."

Joshua 8:13 - "And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley."

Joshua 13:13 - "Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day."

Joshua 13:20 - "And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,"

Joshua 8:3 - "¶ So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night."

Joshua 12:13 - "The king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one;"

Joshua 13:19 - "And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zareth-shahar in the mount of the valley,"

Exodus 17:13 - "And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword."

Joshua 13:28 - "This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages."

Joshua 3:1-17