Separated from God
… all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.
Joshua 3:17
My church purchased land for a recreational site that came with a 100-year flood clause, which meant the adjacent river only overflowed its banks every 100 years. Unfortunately, the river has since overwhelmed the complex with debris and fast flowing water multiple times. The water created a barrier for anyone wanting access the complex.
Flood water at the recreational complex as well as the Old Testament story of crossing the Jordan River at flood stage provide useful images of how sin creates a barrier between us and God. Only a holy, sinless, and perfectly righteous person has the authority to make a way for me to receive God’s precious promises of forgiveness of sin, salvation, and eternal life with Him.
The entrance gates of the flooded complex kept visitors away from danger—not so with the Israelites. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant entered first and stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan River until everyone passed by—the children, the youth, the mothers, the fathers, and the grandparents. God made a way through what separated them from a land where they could flourish.
In much the same way, God made a way for everyone—mothers, fathers, children, and me to cross over the barrier sin creates between us and God. His Son, Jesus Christ, offered His life as payment for my sins, providing a way to God. Trusting God to bring me safely into His presence is a choice I made as an eight-year-old. However, my grandfather came to God through Jesus much later in his life.
What joy to consider sharing the delights of eternity with my grandfather and all those who crossed the Jordan River by faith in the one true God—as well with those who cross over by accepting God’s provisional gift, His Son, Jesus Christ!
Father, thank You for providing a way for me to come to You for grace, mercy, love, compassion, wisdom, and salvation. May I continue to marvel at that amazing gift. Empower me for telling others of Your amazing love. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, the source of love, I pray, amen.
Linda Lesniewski
