Jos 3 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-6 The Israelites came to Jordan in faith, having been told that they should pass it. In the way of duty, let us proceed as far as we can, and depend on the Lord. Joshua led them. Particular notice is taken of his early rising, as afterwards upon other occasions, which shows how little he sought his own ease. Those who would bring great things to pass, must rise early. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty. All in public stations should always attend to the duty of their place. The people were to follow the ark. Thus must we walk after the rule of the word, and the direction of the Spirit, in everything; so shall peace be upon us as upon the Israel of God; but we must follow our ministers only as they follow Christ. All their way through the wilderness was an untrodden path, but most so this through Jordan. While we are here, we must expect and prepare to pass ways that we have not passed before; but in the path of duty we may proceed with boldness and cheerfulness. Whether we are called to suffer poverty, pain, labour, persecution, reproach, or death, we are following the Author and Finisher of our faith; nor can we set our feet in any dangerous or difficult spot, through our whole journey, but faith will there see the prints of the Redeemer's feet, who trod that very path to glory above, and bids us follow him, that where he is, we may be also. They were to sanctify themselves. Would we experience the effects of God's love and power, we must put away sin, and be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

‏ Joshua 3

* The Israelites come to Jordan. (1-6) The Lord encourages

joshua-Joshua encourages the people. (7-13) The Israelites pass

through Jordan on dry land. (14-17)

1-6 The Israelites came to Jordan in faith, having been told

that they should pass it. In the way of duty, let us proceed as

far as we can, and depend on the Lord. Joshua led them.

Particular notice is taken of his early rising, as afterwards

upon other occasions, which shows how little he sought his own

ease. Those who would bring great things to pass, must rise

early. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty. All in public

stations should always attend to the duty of their place. The

people were to follow the ark. Thus must we walk after the rule

of the word, and the direction of the Spirit, in everything; so

shall peace be upon us as upon the Israel of God; but we must

follow our ministers only as they follow Christ. All their way

through the wilderness was an untrodden path, but most so this

through Jordan. While we are here, we must expect and prepare to

pass ways that we have not passed before; but in the path of

duty we may proceed with boldness and cheerfulness. Whether we

are called to suffer poverty, pain, labour, persecution,

reproach, or death, we are following the Author and Finisher of

our faith; nor can we set our feet in any dangerous or difficult

spot, through our whole journey, but faith will there see the

prints of the Redeemer's feet, who trod that very path to glory

above, and bids us follow him, that where he is, we may be also.

They were to sanctify themselves. Would we experience the

effects of God's love and power, we must put away sin, and be

careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. 7-13 The waters of Jordan shall be cut off. This must be done

in such a way as never was done, but in the dividing of the Red

sea. That miracle is here repeated; God has the same power to

finish the salvation of his people, as to begin it; the WORD of

the Lord was as truly with Joshua as with Moses. God's

appearances for his people ought to encourage faith and hope.

God's work is perfect, he will keep his people. Jordan's flood

cannot keep out Israel, Canaan's force cannot turn them out

again. 14-17 Jordan overflowed all its banks. This magnified the power

of God, and his kindness to Israel. Although those who oppose

the salvation of God's people have all advantages, yet God can

and will conquer. This passage over Jordan, as an entrance to

Canaan, after their long, weary wanderings in the wilderness,

shadowed out the believer's passage through death to heaven,

after he has finished his wanderings in this sinful world.

Jesus, typified by the ark, hath gone before, and he crossed the

river when it most flooded the country around. Let us treasure

up experiences of His faithful and tender care, that they may

help our faith and hope in the last conflict.