On Jordan's Stormy Banks

"Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan." Joshua 3:17

There was excitement all around in the Israel camp. After forty years of wandering in the desert, they would finally cross the Jordan river the following day. They could almost see their life in the promised land. No more dust all around. No more sandstorms. No more days under the scourging sun. They would be able to build houses, take fresh showers, and eat a variety of foods.

The day arrived and people broke camp to cross the Jordan. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. As usual during the harvest, the river was all flooded. Yet, as soon as the priests reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the upstream current stopped flowing.

The priests who carried the ark of the Lord stopped in the middle of the river and stood there, while all the people from Israel passed by on dry ground.

We may have not experienced the long journey of the Israelites, but after an extended lockdown might have felt like we were trapped inside a cave. Do you feel like life is passing before your eyes, but you cannot go out? Do you want everything to come back to normal? As we look ahead at the challenges, it's easy to conclude that we're stuck in the wilderness, away from the protection of God.

But God did not bring the people out of Egypt and leave them to their own devices; He was with them all the time until they crossed the Jordan river and beyond. The same God who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it (Phil. 1:6). We must believe that nothing is too difficult for God.

Excitement is in the air as the economy is slowly opening. However, our life journey is far from over. We know that there's a better place for us in heaven. A place that promises no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. As 1 Corinthians 2:9 says: "no one's ever seen or heard anything like this, never so much as imagined anything quite like it--what God has arranged for those who love him." Are you excited about spending an eternity in heaven? I am!

1
On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,
and cast a wishful eye
to Canaan's fair and happy land
where my possessions lie.

Refrain
I'm bound for the promised land,
I'm bound for the promised land.
Oh, who will come and go with me?
I'm bound for the promised land.

2
All o'er those wide-extended plains
shines one eternal day;
there God the Son forever reigns
and scatters night away.

3
No chilling wind nor pois'nous breath
can reach that healthful shore;
sickness and sorrow pain and death
are felt and feared no more.

4
When shall I reach that happy place
and be forever blest?
When shall I see my Father's face
and in his bosom rest?

Words by Samuel Stennet