Going Across The Jordan

GOING ACROSS THE JORDAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joshua 3:14-17

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 31:8, Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 114:3-7, Exodus 14:21-22, 2 Corinthians 5:7

INTRODUCTION:

The crossing of the Jordan River was a significant moment in the history of Israel. It marked the transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land. After wandering in the desert for forty years, the Israelites stood at the threshold of their inheritance, but between them and the land of promise lay the Jordan River at its flood stage. Their journey had reached a critical point where they had to trust God to make a way.

In our spiritual journey, the Jordan represents barriers, challenges, and transitions that stand between us and God’s promises. Every believer will face moments when they must "cross the Jordan"—times when faith is tested, obedience is required, and divine intervention is necessary. Just as God made a way for Israel, He will make a way for us when we step out in faith.

This message will explore the significance of going across the Jordan, what it represents in our lives, and how we can trust God to take us into our destiny.

1. THE JORDAN REPRESENTS A PLACE OF TRANSITION

Moving forward with God requires stepping out of the familiar.

a) Jordan was the last obstacle before entering the Promised Land – The Israelites had to cross it to receive their inheritance (Joshua 3:17).

b) Transition often requires faith and obedience – The priests had to step into the water before God parted it (Joshua 3:15-16).

c) God always leads His people through transitions – He goes before us to make the way (Deuteronomy 31:8).

d) The presence of God guarantees safe passage – The Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them (Joshua 3:3-4).

e) Biblical Example: Abraham left his homeland by faith to transition into God’s promise (Genesis 12:1-4).

2. GOING ACROSS THE JORDAN REQUIRES FAITH

Faith is the key to stepping into the unknown with God.

a) The Israelites had to trust that God would make a way – They moved before seeing the miracle (2 Corinthians 5:7).

b) Miracles happen when we take steps of faith – God responds to obedience (Hebrews 11:6).

c) Faith sees beyond obstacles and focuses on God’s promises – The natural mind sees the flood; faith sees the dry land (Romans 4:20-21).

d) Fear keeps people stuck on the wrong side of the Jordan – But God has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

e) Biblical Example: Peter walked on water when he fixed his eyes on Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29).

3. GOD MAKES A WAY WHERE THERE SEEMS TO BE NONE

When God is leading, barriers become stepping stones.

a) The Jordan was at flood stage, yet God made a path – Nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 18:27).

b) The waters stood still until all the people had passed – God’s provision lasts until we are fully delivered (Joshua 3:16).

c) Difficult seasons prepare us for greater testimonies – The greatest breakthroughs come from the biggest obstacles (Romans 8:28).

d) God specializes in making a way in impossible situations – He parts the sea, stills the storm, and moves mountains (Isaiah 43:2).

e) Biblical Example: God parted the Red Sea for Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 14:21-22).

4. CROSSING THE JORDAN REQUIRES OBEDIENCE

Obedience to divine instruction unlocks supernatural breakthroughs.

a) The Israelites had to follow divine instructions precisely – God's ways must be followed (Joshua 3:3-5).

b) Consecration is necessary for divine visitation – "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you" (Joshua 3:5).

c) Delayed obedience can result in delayed breakthroughs – When God speaks, we must act (1 Samuel 15:22).

d) The priests stepped into the water before it parted – God acts when we take steps of faith (Joshua 3:15).

e) Biblical Example: Naaman was healed only after he obeyed God's instruction to dip in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:10-14).

5. GOING ACROSS THE JORDAN LEADS TO POSSESSING YOUR INHERITANCE

Victory and fulfilment await those who cross over in faith.

a) On the other side of Jordan was the Promised Land – The land of destiny awaited them (Joshua 4:1).

b) Many never enter their inheritance because they fear the crossing – Only the courageous step into divine destiny (Numbers 14:6-9).

c) After crossing, there is a new level of responsibility and warfare – They had to conquer Jericho and possess the land (Joshua 6:1-5).

d) The journey doesn’t end at crossing but continues in victory – God leads His people to overcome every challenge (Philippians 1:6).

e) Biblical Example: Caleb and Joshua entered their inheritance because they believed God (Numbers 14:30).

CONCLUSION:

Going across the Jordan is symbolic of moving from one level to another in our walk with God. It represents overcoming barriers, taking steps of faith, and embracing the promises of God. Every believer will face their own "Jordan"—a moment of transition where faith is required to step into something greater.