Study 6: Joshua 3: 6-17

In an exploration of Joshua 3:6-17, the sermon delves into the pivotal moment of Israel's crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land, symbolizing a significant transition from wandering to claiming God's promises. This passage not only recounts a miraculous event where the waters halted to allow safe passage but also serves as a metaphor for the believer's faith journey. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sanctification, symbolized by the priests stepping into the river first, signifying leading a life set apart for God's purposes. It highlights the necessity of obedience and trust in God's timing and provisions, even when faced with insurmountable obstacles. This story encourages us to remember past victories as we face new challenges, reassuring us of God's continued presence and power to lead us into our own "Promised Lands." The crossing of the Jordan invites reflection on the transitions in our lives, urging us to move forward in faith, trusting in God's guidance and provision.

Sermon Outline

Introduction: Setting the Stage (00:00-05:00)

• Welcome and Acknowledgment: Recognition of attendees from various locations, setting a communal atmosphere.

• Expectation vs. Reality: Addressing the anticipation of a Palm Sunday message but redirecting focus to the continuous study of Joshua, emphasizing the importance of scripture study and application.

I. Review and Context (05:01-10:00)

• Recap of Joshua 3:1-5: Brief review of last week's focus on preparation and consecration before crossing the Jordan.

• The Importance of the Ark: Discussion on the Ark of the Covenant's symbolism as God's presence and guidance for the Israelites.

II. The Command and Preparation (10:01-15:00)

• Joshua's Leadership Role Highlighted: God's promise to exalt Joshua in the eyes of Israel to affirm His continued presence.

• The Call to Action: Joshua instructs the priests to lead with the Ark, symbolizing stepping out in faith towards the unknown.

III. The Crossing Described (15:01-25:00)

• The Miraculous Parting of the Jordan: Detailed narrative of the priests carrying the Ark and the waters ceasing to flow, enabling dry passage for the Israelites.

• Symbolism and Significance: Exploration of the crossing as a testament to God's power and faithfulness, as well as its implications for personal faith journeys.

IV. Application to Personal Faith (25:01-35:00)

• Facing Our Jordans: Encouragement to identify and confront personal challenges with faith and obedience, drawing parallels to the Israelites' experience.

• Consecration in Our Lives: The role of personal preparation and setting apart for God's work today, mirroring the Israelites' actions before crossing.

V. Transition to Palm Sunday (35:01-45:00)

• Linking Joshua to the Gospels: Bridging the Old Testament narrative with the New Testament celebration of Palm Sunday, highlighting the continuity of God's salvation plan.

• The Selection of the Lamb: Drawing connections between the timing of the crossing and the selection of the Passover lamb, paralleling Christ's entry into Jerusalem.

VI. Closing and Call to Action (45:01-55:00)

• Reflection on Leadership and Humility: Reflection on Joshua's leadership style as a model for Christian leadership, emphasizing service and humility.

• Response and Commitment: Invitation for personal reflection and commitment to trust and follow God's guidance, even when the path seems unclear.

Conclusion and Prayer (55:01-60:00)

• Prayer for Guidance and Faith: Closing prayer for courage, faith, and willingness to follow God into the promises He has for each believer, trusting in His power to lead and sustain.

Scripture References

Joshua 3:1-5

• Description: Preparation for Crossing - Joshua and the Israelites prepare at the Jordan, commanded to consecrate themselves in anticipation of witnessing God's wonders.

Joshua 3:6-17

• Description: The Crossing of the Jordan - The Ark of the Covenant leads the way as the waters of Jordan cease, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, demonstrating God's miraculous provision.

James 4:10

• Description: Humility and Exaltation - Encourages believers to humble themselves before the Lord, promising that He will lift them up, mirroring God's promise to exalt Joshua for Israel's sake.

Matthew 5:14-16

• Description: Light of the World - Jesus calls His followers to let their light shine before others so that God may be glorified, reflecting on the purpose behind God's works through His people.

Isaiah 7:14

• Description: Sign of Emmanuel - Foretells the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," highlighting God's desire to be recognized and present among His people.

Psalms 118:16

• Description: The Lord's Right Hand - Celebrates the power and victory of the Lord, symbolized by His right hand, a metaphor for His strength and salvation in the lives of His people.

Acts 7:55

• Description: Stephen's Vision - As Stephen faces martyrdom, he sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God, signifying Jesus' power and presence in the midst of suffering.

Reflection Questions

1. Stepping into the Jordan: The priests had to step into the Jordan before God stopped the water. Reflect on a time when you had to take a step of faith without seeing the outcome first. How did it strengthen your trust in God?

2. Consecration for Tomorrow's Miracles: Joshua told the Israelites to consecrate themselves for what God was going to do tomorrow. What does consecration look like in your life? How can you prepare yourself today for the works God wants to do through you in the future?

3. Following the Ark at a Distance: The Israelites were commanded to follow the Ark at a distance, ensuring they did not approach too closely. In your spiritual walk, how do you maintain a respectful reverence for God's holiness while also drawing near to Him in a personal relationship?

4. The Lord of Our Barriers: Just as God demonstrated His lordship over the Jordan River, reflecting on your current "Jordan" or barrier, how can recognizing God as the Lord of your barriers change your approach to overcoming them?

5. The Role of Leadership in God's Plans: God promised to exalt Joshua in the eyes of the people, highlighting the importance of godly leadership. Reflect on the leaders God has placed in your life. How can you support and learn from them as you pursue your spiritual journey? Additionally, how can you embody godly leadership in your own areas of influence?

Word Study

Jordan (Joshua 3:6-17)

• Original Hebrew: יַרְדֵּן (Yarden)

• Meaning: Descender; the major river in Palestine, symbolizing a place of transition and miraculous crossings.

• Application: Identify the "Jordans" in your life—transitions or obstacles requiring faith to cross. What does it mean to trust God to part the waters in these situations?
  

Stand (Joshua 3:8)

• Original Hebrew: עָמַד (amad)

• Meaning: To take one's stand, remain, endure.

• Application: Reflect on the moments you're called to stand in faith, especially when facing the unknown. How does standing firm in God's promises provide assurance during times of uncertainty?
  

Dry Ground (Joshua 3:17)

• Original Hebrew: יַבָּשָׁה (yabbashah)

• Meaning: Dry land, dry ground.

• Application: The miracle of crossing on dry ground illustrates God's complete provision and protection. How does this imagery inspire confidence in God's ability to provide paths through seemingly impossible barriers?

Exegesis Opportunities

1. The Theology of Sacred Spaces and Objects in Worship

• Focus: The Ark of the Covenant's central role in the crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3:6-17) serves as a potent symbol of God's presence and guidance. An exegetical study could explore the theological significance of sacred spaces and objects within the worship practices of ancient Israel and their continuity or discontinuity in Christian worship.

• Research Questions: What does the Ark represent in Israel's religious life, and how does it mediate God's presence? How do concepts of sacredness in worship spaces and objects transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, especially in light of Jesus' teachings and the New Covenant?
  

2. Faith and Obedience as Catalysts for Divine Miracles

• Focus: This opportunity examines the Israelites' preparation, consecration, and step of faith into the Jordan River before witnessing God's miraculous intervention. An exegetical study could delve into the relationship between human faith, obedience, and the unfolding of divine acts, using this event as a case study.

• Research Questions: How does the sequence of events in Joshua 3 highlight the interplay between faith, obedience, and divine action? In what ways does this narrative reflect broader biblical principles regarding the role of human agency in experiencing God's miracles?
  

3. Crossing the Jordan: Typology and Christological Significance

• Focus: The crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land is rich with typological significance, foreshadowing themes of redemption, baptism, and entry into God's rest. An exegetical study could explore these typological elements, particularly focusing on how New Testament writers might understand or reference this event in light of Christ's work.

• Research Questions: In what ways does the crossing of the Jordan River serve as a type or foreshadowing of New Testament themes such as baptism, death and resurrection with Christ, and the believer's entry into spiritual rest? How does understanding this typology enrich the Christian's understanding of salvation history and eschatological hope?