The third chapter of Joshua picks up one generation later in the story; only Joshua and Caleb remain from the original slave generation. This generation had grown up wandering in the desert where they most assuredly heard the stories of their miraculous release from slavery in Egypt.
Father likely told their sons about the ten plagues that changed Pharaoh’s mind. Mothers likely told their daughters about the crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army. Priests likely instructed the people in the worship of God and their responsibility to each other.
All the while the pillar of cloud during the day, and the pillar of fire during the night reminded every person of the rebellion years before. Whether it was spoken about loudly or only whispered in hush tones among the people, this new generation knew their choice was to wander lost for a lifetime, or to walk forward and possess their inheritance.
There is a time in all of our lives when we can see with a vivid clarity that the only way to fulfill life is to reach beyond ourselves. Our culture worships safety but only God can save our soul. Reaching beyond ourselves feels risky but it’s the safest thing we can do.
God brought the people through the Red Sea and closed the way behind them. This protected them from Pharaoh’s army and it prevented them from returning to slavery. Now God brought them out of the wilderness of their rebellion through the Jordan River and closed the waters after them so there was no going back.
Some ask why miracles like this aren’t seen today. I see them all the time. Not with water but mindsets. The image of the Hebrew people crossing the Jordan River conveys the reality of redemption, forgiveness and the conversion from a slave’s mindset to a servant’s mindset.
These are the miracles for which I pray.
