Today’s Bible Verse
After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses’ assistant: “Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I’m giving to the People of Israel. I’m giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It’s all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute, let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.
Joshua 1:1-9 (TMB)
Get Going, Cross Over
Notice what that the Bible says God commanded after the death of Moses: Moses my servant is dead! Now, “Get going” “Cross over,” because “I’m giving.” God is saying to Joshua and his people that there is something ahead that I have prepared for you. Then God clarified what that “something” is: “I’m giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on.” It is available to you, but you have to set your foot on it. And when you do, God defines what your efforts should look like: “Give it everything you have,” and never forget, “God, Your God, is with you every step you take.”
God commanded that Joshua lead His people to cross the Jordan River at one of the most difficult seasons, after they suffered a great loss, and when the Jordan River was at flood stage (the worst agricultural conditions for the river banks). But God knew that the loss of Moses and the Jordan river represented more than just emotional and physical barriers, but more of a spiritual boundary and a crossing point, a metaphor for spiritual rebirth and salvation for His people.
And so God’s intention and message to Joshua was to persevere. No matter the situation or challenge, nothing should ever hinder or prevent the plans of the Lord! When we are filled with faith in God’s Word, not even the worst of circumstances can prevent the onward movement of the intentions, aims, and ideas of God! Losing a job, physical illness, a pandemic, even the loss of a Moses … nothing! (Marques Farmer)
Change My Story
What I love about our God is that even with death, comes life, and even in our losses, God promises us that there is still more to gain (John 12:24). And so He tells us now like He told Joshua then, “Cross over.” Don’t let the Jordan Rivers in your life, whatever they may be, and no matter how intimidating they may seem, paralyze you from setting your foot on and possessing what God has for you, your family, the lost, and for the future of God’s church.
Today’s Declaration
I’m thankful to God that even in death, He gives life. I am committed to crossing the Jordan Rivers of my life. I receive God’s promise to give His children every square inch of the land that they set foot on. I’m going to give it everything I have. God is with me, my family, and my church. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
