Remember the River

The Jordan River is more than a natural waterway in Israel that flows through the Sea of Galilee into the Dead Sea. Today, we are going to get our feet wet in this specific stream of water by diving into several events of spiritual significance. The Jordan River is mentioned more than 185 times in the Bible.

Although not specifically named, the first scriptural reference to the Jordan River is in Genesis 13. Abram and Lot were making decisions to go their separate ways. Abram allowed Lot to choose. Rather selfishly, he chose the lush land of the Jordan Valley. Genesis 13:11 says, “So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company.” Abram was left with the more arid area.

Lot thought only about himself and did not show respect for his elder relative. He made his decision according to the flesh. In contrast, Abram relied upon the spirit. Abram remembered God’s promise of Genesis 12:2-3. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

There is a lesson for us in this reference to the Jordan River. We can think of the Jordan River as the dividing line between the flesh and the spirit. Galatians 5:16 encourages us, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Throughout our lives, we face choices similar to what Lot and Abram encountered . Will we be selfish or spiritual when making decisions? Which side of the Jordan River will we choose? Personally, I want to follow Abram/Abraham’s example. James 2:23 says, “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.”

As we review biblical history, we recall the Israelites’ journey from Egyptian slavery to freedom in the Promised Land. The Israelites stood on the banks of the Jordan River ready to step into their new homeland. But, they had a problem. The river was at flood stage. Joshua 3:15-17 tells the story. Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan. The ark was God’s dwelling place on earth. God went into the water with the Israelites. He created solid water walls so they could cross on a dry riverbed.

We, too, encounter overwhelming flood like experiences. It may not be easy to put one foot in front of the other as we walk through difficult circumstances. But we will cross over with the Lord’s help. Deuteronomy 31:8 is for us as well as it was for the Israelites. The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Although we will not take time to look at specific battles, the Bible records numerous conflicts and disputes that occurred along the Jordan River. We also will encounter many spiritual battles. II Chronicles 20:17 was originally for the Israelites but is also for us. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you. We might describe our battles as being like rivers that appear impossible to cross because of their depth and width. However, let us remember we have crossed our spiritual Jordan River and now live in God’s land of promises. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

In the New Testament. We read about John the Baptist at the Jordan River’s edge. Luke 3:3 says, “He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” John’s most significant baptism was that of Jesus. Mark 1:9-11 says, “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River was a public crossing over from just being Mary and Joseph’s son to being God’s Son. It was the beginning of His three-year ministry.

For us, water baptism is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ as our personal savior. Our baptismal river is more than a destination. It reveals our eternal destiny. We cross over from being a sinner to being a child of God. It is a moment of change when we step into the promises of God. It is a transition. We now walk by faith and not by sight. (II Corinthians 5:7)

I close with one final tidbit of information about the Jordan River. It is the only river that flows all year round with fresh water. I see a spiritual application. God’s Word is our source of fresh spiritual insight and wisdom. May we always keep the Word in our hearts and minds as we cross over our personal Jordan Rivers. Isaiah 43:2 assures us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”