Each Sunday morning I get to teach a class of first and second graders at my church. Chapter by chapter we sift through a different book of the Bible each year. We dive deep into the stories, memorize scripture, and pour over maps together. It’s really quite amazing where these 6 and 7 year olds will go as long as you lead them on their level.
Last year we studied Exodus together and this year we moved chronologically, straight into the book of Joshua. Teaching kids in this manner is a fantastic way to cement a historical timeline in their minds. They understand the transitions in leadership and the context of the stories. The plagues, the parting of the red sea, manna, Rahab, the Jordan, Jericho…the stories become inter-related and they are are built on a coherent framework in their minds.
And, selfishly, I love that it does the same for me. As I dig deeper to teach these kids I’m playing connect the dots with the Bible stories of my own childhood. Sure I’ve heard all of this before, but to line it all up chronologically changes things.
The themes of God’s providence resound. His patience with a stiff-necked people resonates. His unfailing love. His promises. We see discipline and what God can do with one heart that truly believes. Even if that heart is wrapped up in the body of a prostitute.
There is amazing hope for the rest of us in these stories.
This week we studied Joshua Chapter 3, when God parts the Jordan River for the Israelites to cross over into Jericho. Do you remember that? I barely did.
We all know about the parting of the Red Sea, right? That story gets all kinds of acclaim, but the parting of the Jordan goes somewhat under the radar. God did that once already. Nothing to see here.
But I think there is.
Sure the Red Sea was much wider, and possibly more impressive. That doesn’t change the fact that God stopped water from flowing and piled it up “in a heap” (Joshua 3:16) so the Israelites could make their way on by. Crazy!
But it gets even better. You see, these Israelites who are about to cross the Jordan are the sons and daughters of the Red Sea Israelites. They have heard the stories first hand. They know what happened not too many years ago when their parents were being chased by the Egyptians. Moses stretched out his staff over the water, God sent a strong east wind and they walked across on dry land. You know they’ve heard that story a hundred times.
And now here they are at the banks of the flooded Jordan River except there is no Moses. No staff. They have a new leader, Joshua, who is a little green and hasn’t really proven himself yet.
I can only imagine what the Israelites might have been thinking when they approached the banks of the river. What is up with Joshua? He doesn’t even have a staff? And where is the strong east wind? There has to be a strong east wind!
But God didn’t do it that way this time. This time, God asked them to get their feet wet. God did not part the waters until they got their feet wet. See how that works? He was growing their brave.
In both instances they were told to get ready, to do the work of preparing. In both instances they were told to follow God (embodying the pillar of cloud and fire in Exodus and the Ark of the Covenant in Joshua). But in the book of Joshua God was beginning to grow their faith in Him. There was no standing around waiting for an east wind. It was when they put their faith into action that God showed up.
I don’t know about you but that is a poignant reminder for me! Sometimes I’m content parking it, waiting for an east wind. I’m pretty comfortable right here, God, and if you need anything, just go ahead and send Your east wind right on over here. Once that land is good and dry I’ll be all over it, God. No problem.
I’m not doubting God may do that, of course not. But I know He wants us to grow in faith and sometime that means stepping in the water.
Pray about it. I think it’s high time some of us got wet.
This post is linked at Grace & Truth. Follow the link for more great encouragement.
Oh, how I needed to read this this morning!! What a wonderful reminder of something that I’ve long ago forgotten about. Sometimes He just needs us to show Him that we’re ready to trust Him. Taking that first step!
I think one of the barriers for people getting their feet wet is worrying about which body of water to step in. Some have clear callings…. Some don’t; and I wonder if when we don’t feel deeply directed we should just start diving into all different pools to test the waters…?
Good question! Listening for and following God is key. In both of these instances the Israelites were following a tangible representation of God. Wouldn’t that be nice? 😉 Although prior to that both Moses and Joshua fervently sought God for direction and He provided. So I believe it all starts with that relationship. And faith that He will indeed provide direction. Also, you might note that the Bible says the Israelite priests put their feet in the water…it doesn’t say they were doing cannonballs or diving. Just faithfully stepping in. 🙂
Thank you! I really needed to hear this.
My pleasure, Aly. <3
I LOVE this! I started reading Joshua the other day and left it for another book, but will now be going back to it. I definitely can relate to the “waiting for God’ when I should be getting my feet wet. Thank you for this post!
So much good stuff in the book of Joshua, Mim. I just love revisiting the old Bible stories we don’t hear much about after elementary school. I hope you enjoy it as much I have!
God always seems to get us prepared for what we are about to face, often without us understanding what He is doing at the time. But He always has a plan! Great read!
Isn’t that the truth, Ashley? Oh, for eyes to see Him as much in the present as we do in hindsight. 🙂
What a wonderful reminder!
Last year my church went through “The Story” as a congregation and every week the pastor spoke about sections of The Story. I remember being stunned about this part as well. We so easily remember Moses and the parting of the red sea.
Thanks for sharing such lovely insights.
Wishing you a blessed day.
xoxo
Aw, I just started The Story, Jennifer! I’m only in the first chapter but I’m loving the concept. Thanks so much for stopping by!
oh how many times i’ve “gotten wet” by stepping out in faith 😀
Fabulous, Andi. A great example for the rest of us!
Isn’t it amazing how the themes and miracles of scripture are cohesive throughout all the books?!?? It’s like God wrote it or something. 😉 Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful truth! <3
I know, right? 🙂 But the books were actually ordered by man, so skipping around to read them chronologically really does provide new insights that can otherwise be easily missed!