Crossing the Jordan – The crossing of the Jordan River marks an important point in the salvation history of Israel, as it begins to fulfill God’s promise to Abraham of a land for his descendants. The miraculous way that God brings Israel through the swollen waters of the Jordan recalls the miraculous way that God brought Israel through the Red Sea in the exodus event. The same God who was with them under the leadership of Moses is now leading them through Moses’ successor, Joshua. The crossing has the character of a solemn liturgical procession.

• Joshua models for us a true saint—one who is faithful and obedient to the Word of God and who instructs the people to do the same. God is the real Leader who enables us to cross the obstacles we encounter in life and to ultimately enter into the promised heavenly land that God has prepared for us.
• John Stott – Greatness in the kingdom of God is measured in terms of obedience
• Nikos Kazantzakis – Learn to obey. Only the one who obeys a rhythm superior to their own is truly free.

 

Recall an event when you or someone else (cinema, novel, etc.) needed to cross from one place to another that may have seemed dangerous or challenging.

• Why would this event inaugurate Joshua’s career in a way that recalls the crossing of the Red Sea?
• When have you been "bunched up" by river’s edge? How did you get through?
• In what way can you personally consecrate yourself for the amazing things in your life that God wants to do through you?

 

Please see the homily posted for this Sunday on DPS, "Crossing the Road."

 

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[1] New Proclamation 2002 (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2002), 258.
[2] Ibid, page 258.
[3] Quotes for the Journey, Wisdom for the Way (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1999), page 120.
[4] Ibid, page 120