Preparing for Our Eternal Journey: Crossing the Jordan

 

Summary

In the passage of the Jordan, we find a profound metaphor for the transition from this life to the eternal rest promised by God. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, were instructed to prepare for their crossing, a journey that symbolizes our own passage from the temporal to the eternal. This event, occurring on the same day as the Red Sea crossing 40 years prior, serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the continuity of His promises. The crossing of the Jordan is not merely a historical event but a spiritual allegory for our journey to the heavenly Canaan, where no enemies await and eternal peace reigns.

The Israelites were given notice to prepare, emphasizing the importance of readiness for our own departure from this world. We are reminded that our time is fixed by God, and no earthly force can alter it. The call to "prepare you vittles" is a call to spiritual readiness, to feed on the eternal truths of God's Word, and to hold loosely to the things of this world. As believers, we are encouraged to live in a state of readiness, with our hearts set on the eternal home that awaits us.

The command to "pass over" signifies the end of our earthly journey and the beginning of eternal rest. Death, for the believer, is not a lingering in the grave but a passage to paradise, where our spirits ascend to Christ, and even our bodies will one day be glorified. The promise of possession assures us that what awaits us is far greater than anything we leave behind. Our true treasures are in heaven, where each believer has a unique inheritance, a crown, and a place prepared by God.

As we approach our own Jordan, we are assured of God's presence and guidance. Just as the Ark of the Covenant led the Israelites, so does Christ lead us, ensuring that we are never alone in our final journey. The promise of His presence dispels fear and fills us with hope, knowing that our death is but a transition to eternal joy and communion with our Savior.

Key Takeaways:

1. Preparation for Eternity: Just as the Israelites were instructed to prepare for their crossing, we too must live in readiness for our transition to eternity. This involves feeding on the spiritual truths of God's Word and holding loosely to earthly possessions, knowing that our true home is with God. [06:39]

2. The Certainty of God's Timing: Our departure from this world is fixed by God, and no earthly or spiritual force can alter it. This certainty should bring peace, knowing that our lives are in God's hands, and our transition to eternity will occur at the perfect time. [02:43]

3. The Promise of Eternal Possession: The land promised to the Israelites symbolizes the eternal inheritance awaiting believers. Our true treasures are in heaven, where each of us has a unique place prepared by God, far surpassing any earthly possession. [22:29]

4. Christ's Presence in Our Final Journey: Just as the Ark led the Israelites, Christ leads us in our final journey, ensuring we are never alone. His presence dispels fear and fills us with hope, transforming death into a passage to eternal joy. [31:41]

5. The Assurance of Victory Over Death: The crossing of the Jordan assures us of victory over death. For believers, death is not an end but a transition to eternal life, where we will experience the fullness of God's promises and the joy of His presence. [16:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Joshua's Command
- [00:47] - The Significance of the Jordan Crossing
- [01:21] - Canaan as a Type of Heaven
- [02:27] - Preparing for Departure
- [03:52] - The Certainty of God's Timing
- [06:39] - Spiritual Readiness
- [08:22] - Feeding on Spiritual Truths
- [10:10] - The Shortness of Time
- [11:17] - Remembering God's Promises
- [12:52] - Sanctifying Ourselves
- [14:14] - Passing Over Jordan
- [16:09] - The Promise of Possession
- [19:26] - Extraordinary Help in Trials
- [22:29] - Eternal Inheritance

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Joshua 1:10-11
- Psalm 114:3-5
- John 14:1-3

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Observation Questions:

1. What instructions did Joshua give to the officers of the people regarding the crossing of the Jordan? ([00:13])
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the Jordan River crossing in relation to the Red Sea event? ([00:47])
3. What metaphor does the sermon use to describe the crossing of the Jordan River? ([01:04])
4. According to the sermon, what role does the Ark of the Covenant play in the Israelites' journey? ([31:41])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the command to "prepare you vittles" in a spiritual context? What does this mean for believers today? ([06:39])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the crossing of the Jordan River is a metaphor for the believer's transition to eternal life? ([16:09])
3. How does the sermon explain the assurance of God's timing in the life of a believer, especially concerning death? ([02:43])
4. What does the sermon imply about the presence of Christ in our final journey, and how does this provide comfort to believers? ([31:41])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea of "spiritual readiness." What steps can you take this week to prepare yourself spiritually for the challenges you face? ([06:39])
2. The sermon emphasizes holding loosely to earthly possessions. Is there something in your life that you are holding onto too tightly? How can you begin to let go? ([07:11])
3. Consider the certainty of God's timing in your life. How can this assurance bring you peace in uncertain situations you are currently facing? ([02:43])
4. The sermon speaks of the promise of eternal possession. How does this perspective change the way you view your current struggles or achievements? ([22:29])
5. How can the presence of Christ in your life dispel fear and fill you with hope, especially in times of transition or uncertainty? ([31:41])
6. The sermon mentions the assurance of victory over death. How does this assurance influence your daily life and decisions? ([16:09])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt God's guidance in a significant decision or transition. How did that experience strengthen your faith? ([31:41])

Devotional

Day 1: Living in Readiness for Eternity
The Israelites' preparation for crossing the Jordan serves as a metaphor for our own readiness for eternity. Just as they were instructed to prepare their provisions, we are called to feed on the eternal truths of God's Word and hold loosely to the things of this world. This readiness is not about fear but about anticipation and hope for the eternal home that awaits us. By focusing on spiritual truths, we align our hearts with God's promises and live with an eternal perspective. [06:39]

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one earthly possession or concern you need to hold more loosely today to focus on your eternal home?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
The certainty of God's timing in our lives is a source of peace and assurance. Our departure from this world is fixed by God, and no earthly or spiritual force can alter it. This understanding should bring comfort, knowing that our lives are in God's hands and that our transition to eternity will occur at the perfect time. Trusting in God's timing allows us to live without fear, embracing each moment as part of His divine plan. [02:43]

"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!" (Psalm 31:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice trusting God's timing in a specific area of your life where you feel anxious or uncertain?


Day 3: Embracing Our Eternal Inheritance
The promise of eternal possession is a profound assurance for believers. The land promised to the Israelites symbolizes the eternal inheritance awaiting us in heaven. Our true treasures are not of this world but are stored in heaven, where each believer has a unique place prepared by God. This promise encourages us to focus on what truly matters and to live with the hope of our eternal inheritance. [22:29]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to shift your focus from earthly possessions to your eternal inheritance?


Day 4: Following Christ in Our Final Journey
Christ's presence in our final journey assures us that we are never alone. Just as the Ark of the Covenant led the Israelites, Christ leads us, dispelling fear and filling us with hope. His presence transforms death into a passage to eternal joy and communion with our Savior. This assurance encourages us to live with confidence, knowing that Christ is with us every step of the way. [31:41]

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you invite Christ's presence into a current challenge or fear you are facing?


Day 5: Victory Over Death
The crossing of the Jordan assures us of victory over death. For believers, death is not an end but a transition to eternal life, where we will experience the fullness of God's promises and the joy of His presence. This victory over death is a cornerstone of our faith, providing hope and assurance that our future is secure in Christ. [16:09]

"Death is swallowed up in victory. 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'" (1 Corinthians 15:54-55, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you celebrate the victory over death in your daily life, and how does this shape your perspective on eternity?

Quotes

The Israelites before they crossed the Jordan had notice given them. The officers went through the host with the message, prepare you vittles for within three days he shall pass over this Jordan. The Lord often favors his people with notice that the time of their departure is at hand. [00:02:27]

The first word that came to them was prepare. Be in journeying order. The soldier carries his rations with him when he has to make a quick March. Prepare you vittles, children of God, be ready to go from this world. Let not your roots strike deep into this Earthly soil. [00:06:39]

Oh children of God, get good meals of spiritual meat, the kind of meat which you will live upon Hereafter. Feed much on the love of God and the Glorious truths which are laid up in Christ Jesus. Care nothing for the husks of human thought and carnal eloquence. [00:08:22]

Joshua meant stand ready for the time is getting very short. There is not long to wait. Very soon you will have traversed the stream and landed on the hither Shore. Even now you can catch a glimpse of the palm trees of Jericho on the other side. [00:10:10]

The next word was pass over this Jordan. They were not called to linger on the brink nor to sit with their feet in the Stream but to cross over it. Israel had been 40 years in the wilderness and surely that was long enough. [00:14:14]

Blessed be God we are not going down into the grave to be lost there but we make use of it as an open door to Paradise. Our spirit shall Mount triumphantly to Christ and even the poor body after it has Lain a while in the dust shall rise again. [00:16:09]

Ye shall pass over this Jordan. Our text reads like a promise. Within 3 days ye shall pass over this Jordan. Some of them might have said how they saw no apparent means, no Bridge, no pontoons, no boat. Ah but says Joshua within 3 days ye shall pass over this Jordan. [00:22:29]

The Lord will give dying Grace in dying moments. He comes in when the need is pressing. Those who have wrestled earnestly in life shall March off triumphantly in death. Jehovah Shai is is God all sufficient. He knows how to take you through the river. [00:25:02]

The Lord hath said it and none of his words shall fail. You shall cross the swollen torrent and smile at your own fears. While I was thinking this over I said to myself why did the Lord bring his people to Jordan at the time when the snow was melting? [00:27:40]

God knows the best time for his Saints to die. We look at some ugly circumstances connected with their departure and we forget other and infinitely more important matters which make it a thing to be rejoiced in. So you dear friend need not fear to pass over Jordan. [00:31:41]

When you and I shall pass over Jordan we shall have Jesus with us. Joshua is but another form of that dear name in which we Triumph. He says be of good cheer because I live ye shall live also. He it is who cries when thou passest through the waters I will be with thee. [00:29:26]

The Ark of the Covenant leads the way and we have only to follow. Nor did the Forerunner quit the scene for the divine presence remained. The priests went on till they came to the riverbed and descended the hollow going on to the very center of it. [00:35:41]

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Transcript
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