On Jordan’s Stormy Banks

October 31, 2005

After centuries in Egyptian exile in, and after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites finally came to the banks of the Jordan River, the last obstacle to possessing the Promised Land. What impressed me most as we explored Joshua 3: 7-17 yesterday was how almost anti-climactic it was. The promise, given to Abraham, was finally about to be realized.

The same struggle between faith and fear they had experienced in Egypt and in the wilderness confronted the Hebrews as they stood on the banks of promise. First, the river was at flood stage. Who wants to cross a flooded river without a bridge, or a boat? Yet, when by faith they stepped into the river, the river parted, just as the Red Sea had done years before, and they were able to cross on dry ground.

It takes faith to step into the stormy river. But unless we exercise that kind of faith, we will never enter the Promised Land.

There is a big difference in casting a wistful eye into the Promised Land and in possessing it! It takes simple, yet determined steps of faith to possess the promises of God.

I thought about that in the context of Mrs. Rosa Park’s home-going. A half century ago, this gentle, kindly woman put her foot into the Jordan River in Montgomery, Alabama. She would not be denied her promised land. By faith, she faced the rivers’ torrents, and our world will never be the same.

“I am bound for the Promised Land,
I am bound for the Promised Land.
Oh, who will come and go with me,
I am bound for the Promised Land.”