United People, Divided Waters!

So last week Matt kicked off the second half of our series on leadership. We’ve touched on some high and low points for Moses— now a bit of the same for his successor— Joshua.

I want to start with a little object lesson:

Ethiopia is a diverse and historic nation. David Ellis, an American business entrepreneur observed a problem that approximately 30-40% of Ethiopians are deficient in protein in their diet. That’s mostly because they are small rural farmers. If you can grow it, that’s what you eat— if you can’t grow it— you don’t eat. And at the time, the general breed of chicken that was common in Ethiopia laid about one egg per week.

So he figured he could find a breed of chicken that worked a little harder— he found a durable and resilient breed in France, and took many over to Ethiopia— the government gave him several abandon buildings and chicken hatcheries— and guess what? These chickens can be bred and sold to local small family farmers— and lay 6 eggs per week. That has made a dramatic difference in the ecomomy and health of nearly 2 million Ethiopians in just 5 years. He not only brought a simple idea to a place that needed it— he has introduced a better life for countless people through his non-profit company called EthioChicken.

My point in all this is that David is a great example of someone stepping into a situation and saying “Follow me”— or “follow my instructions” and I’ll lead you to a better situation— a better life. He now has over 1000 employees, 95% are Ethiopian locals in and around the country— he’s a leader and that has been our theme the last few weeks.

The estimates bible scholars and historians make is that the whole assembly of these people was between 200K and 6 million people. I know that’s a big range, but either way— it’s a LOT of people to organize and to get moving from anywhere to anywhere!

Joshua is the new leader of God’s people- God uses Joshua to lead them in crossing a body of water. Now Moses had led them through a body of water too— in fact, all of them definitely heard that story from their parents and grandparents. Maybe some of these people now were just little children when that occured. But we look here at Joshua chapter 3, right there in verse 1:

Joshua 3:1–2 NIV

1 Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. 2 After three days the officers went throughout the camp,

They were led to the shore of the river— and then they were told to wait for three days. They were actually waiting for THE promise to occur. The three days must have seemed like torture. They had been wandering in the desert— on the longest camping trip ever— 40 years for this promise to be fulfilled. They are about to move into the land God had promised Abraham so long ago! It could be said that they had been waiting— as a people— for 500 years for this moment.

At this time of the year— the Jordan river was actually in what’s called “flood stage”. The crossing of the river during this time of the year would have been pretty scary, especially for those that are either older, or younger— for those who are smaller, or cant swim.

I think God did this on purpose. He asked them to come right up next to this river— and see how impossible a crossing would be.

Joshua 3:3–4 NIV

3 giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.”

Joshua communicated clearly and delegated specific tasks. (v. 1-6)

What did this command mean to the Israelites? And why would God care so much about a piece of furniture that He required that it go first? What was the big deal? Well, we get a clue when we look inside the Ark. The stone tablets upon which the finger of God had written the Ten Commandments were inside that box, a sign to all Israel of God's desire for relationship.

There was also a pot of manna, a reminder of God's gracious provision during the previous forty years (Ex.16:33, 34). And one other item was included: Aaron's rod--a dead stick that miraculously grew leaves and almonds to validate the power of God to use anything He willed to accomplish His will, down to the smallest detail (Numbers 17). Three historical reminders, three witnesses to God's love and will and provision and power. The Ark was a monument of God's faithfulness to Israel!

But it was much more than that! You see, on top of the Ark was a gold plate called the Mercy Seat over which two statues of cherubim knelt (Ex.25:18-19). Psalm 80:1 and 99:1 describe God as "enthroned upon the cherubim." God showed up right here, above the Mercy Seat, giving current meaning to past acts of power.

Joshua helped the people follow the instructions of God.

We as leaders and pastors here at church desire to be like Joshua. Pray for us to hear clearly from God— and that we would be faithful to communicate clearly and help all of us move forward in God’s plans.

Joshua has led the people to wait three days— watch for the presence of God— and then watch what he instructs them to do next:

Joshua 3:5–6 NIV

5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” 6 Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them.

Joshua led the people to consecrate themselves. (v.5)

Consecrate mean to “prepare, dedicate, to be separated”- If they were going to do the impossible (with God’s help) they needed to be set apart for this holy trip!

Make yourself holy. Joshua is asking that the people prepare themselves for what they are about to do.

That involves two primary tasks:

Personal repentance for our sin.

Purposefully listen for God’s voice.

Every man is as holy as he really wants to be. But the want must be all-compelling.

Man: The Dwelling Place of God, 38.

A. W. Tozer

Now take a moment and think about this:

What if the people didn’t do what Joshua was instructing them to do.

It’s not the actions of :

waiting the three days on Him

watching for the ark, His presence among us

consecrating themselves, by setting themselves apart

that “creates” the miracle that is about to happen right?

No- it’s not their actions that creates the miracle. But what if they didn’t do what God was asking them to do? He would withhold the experience of crossing the Jordan.

God may sometimes be waiting for His people to do what He has instructed them to do— then He will release His power, His presence and His plan.

Is that the case with us? Are we able to wait on God’s timing, keep focused on His presence and set ourselves apart through repentance and listening?

When we obey God’s plan, He reveals His power and His presence.

I recently was able to take about 24 hours and retreat here locally— but camped out by myself as a bit of time to consecrate. To repent, be quiet, cook over a fire— pray and purposefully listen. If you haven’t ever done that, you should try it. IT was hard in some ways, but it was good.

It didn’t produce any miraculous results, but it was cleansing and clarifying.

I waited, I focused and I repented.

But I want us to keep our attention on the leader Joshua and how He implemented and executed God’s instructions.

Joshua 3:7–8 NIV

7 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. 8 Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’ ”

Joshua empowered others to achieve. (v. 7-13)

Joshua transfers authority from God to others.

But let me quickly add something else here. I want you to notice an element in their trust that is present in all true faith. After they stepped out, they stood still (v.8). Why? They were waiting on the power of God. In all their activity, they maintained dependence. Their standing still testified to the fact that everything came from God. They were acknowledging that it wasn't their work that changed anything--it was God and God alone. They stepped out, and they stood still. That’s all they were instructed to do. Some of you are bible readers— you know what’s going to happen here. But if we hadn’t ever read this— we might think they were going to be able to walk right across like Peter did with Jesus— walking on water. Or God might build a great big bridge.

Everyone in the camp would be watching. They would be the ones to get their feet wet. These priests were obedient, but only to do what they were instructed to do. That will preach today. Even I need to hear this and remember that i have been given instructions— for our church--- You have been given instructions from God for your family, for your workplace, for your community— you may be the one God is instructing to take His presence and go stand in the water.--- And wait. How would you feel if you’re one of these priests? You’re told to walk right on into the water— with the most precious item in the world on your shoulder.

[INSERT PHOTO OF CROSSING JORDAN]

Joshua 3:9 NIV

9 Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God.

Joshua 3:10 NIV

10 This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites.

Let me help you see with a little imagination. Standing near the banks of the thundering Jordan were the armed warriors with sword and shield. Next to them, the aged men trembling on their staffs, along with wide-eyed mothers and helpless babies, some of whom were born that day. All about were flocks and possessions were gathered to move when God opened a way.

All the people had their eyes on the Ark, positioned high on the shoulders of the priests, who were wading in the shallows of the river. Everyone was ready--clean in heart and spiritually alert, watching for something that only God could do. Already, the step of faith had been taken. Now they were standing still, and a great hush fell over the people.

Joshua 3:11 NIV

11 See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you.

Joshua 3:12 NIV

12 Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe.

Joshua 3:13 NIV

13 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.”

There’s the reveal— God is going to shut off the water.

And it’s so important to note that Joshua emphasized (in verse 9), that these are the words of the LORD. This the way you will know that the LIVING GOD is working among you.

Today is going to be a symbolic day.

Crossing the Jordan is a powerful day— remember this day--- keep your eye on God.

Everyone in the camp was observing and waiting for God to move.

Joshua 3:14 NIV

14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.

Joshua 3:15 NIV

15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge,

Joshua 3:16 NIV

16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.

Then, someone noticed that the water was receding. It was dropping fast! Somewhere up river beyond their sight (19 miles upriver to be exact), the waters mounted up in a great crystal heap. The riverbed was dry. In fact, it was bare all the way south to the Dead Sea! Now the thunder of the river was replaced by the thunder of God's people moving in a great swarm which extended a mile or more.

Does this remind us of another miracle the people had experienced?

Crossing a body of water— water piled up in a heap?

There are many similarities here— but also several things that are different:

The ark of the covenant wasn’t even built back then. They were just getting started out of Egypt.

The wind drove back the waters back in the Red Sea story. They could feel that force— God used wind to drive back the water for them to see. Here the water just stops flowing—some distance away— they didn’t even probably see it.

I want you to see here with me that God does work in continuity— there are similar ways that God works from one generation to another...

If we were able to go back to Walnut Creek Mennonite Church in lets say 1890.

Would there be some things that are similar to today>? Sure- A preacher teaching and sharing Gods Word. People singing praises and praying in their hearts in worship. People encouraging each other— cheering each other on in living for Jesus.

Would there be somethings that are very different? Sure. You like that padded seat you’re sitting on? We enjoy the air conditioning in here. Praise the Lord for Ken Schlabach. We have a sound system and children’s lessons, and many things that reflect our time now rather than back then.

That’s one of the greatest things about this church! If you’re a young person right here today, I want you to see the continuity from generation to generation— I want you to honor and respect the past— learn from it.

If you’re a little older like me— we simply can’t expect God to work now today the same way He worked back then. It’s going to be relevant and unique for the time.

The Red Sea gets all the glory in our minds. The Red Sea gets a major motion picture. The Jordan crossing is just as miraculous. God brought Israel out of Egypt with a miracle. He also brought them IN to the promised land with a miracle.

Joshua’s faith and leadership allowed God’s power to work through human obedience.

The entire event was based on faith in God's promises and guidance.

This event was so powerful in the history of Israel, that many years later a song was written about it:

Psalm 114:3–4 NIV

3 The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; 4 the mountains leaped like rams, the hills like lambs.

Psalm 114:5–6 NIV

5 Why was it, sea, that you fled? Why, Jordan, did you turn back? 6 Why, mountains, did you leap like rams, you hills, like lambs?

Psalm 114:7 NIV

7 Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

The name Jesus is the Greek version derived from the Hebrew Joshua.

Centuries later, the true Ark of God- The fulfilment of the covenant would come among us, the living Immanuel. The original Ark contained the Ten Commandments; Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matt.5:17). The Ark preserved the manna by which God fed them in the wilderness; Christ called himself the bread of life (John 6:31-46). The Ark held a symbol of God's power and presence to bring life out of death; Jesus is alive from the dead and seated at the right hand of the Father. And so Hebrews 12:2 calls us to keep our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…

Jesus stood in the flood of God’s judgment— stopping it from sweeping you and me away.

Jesus is our Joshua.

He has stepped into our world and stated “Follow me”.

He Communicates Clearly

He helps us to follow God’s instructions

His leadership enables us to see God and experience His power and presence today.

Obedience to Christ can overcome seemingly impossible challenges.

Wait on God’s timing

Keep your focus on God’s presence

Sanctify and set yourself apart everyday.

Crossing the Jordan was a daunting task approached step-by-step, with everyone playing their part.

For us as a church:

We shouldn’t shy away from big challenges. We can break them down into manageable steps, delegate accordingly, and recognize that collective effort, combined with God's support, can lead to extraordinary outcomes. United people— divided waters.

We will keep focusing on Him— He is the Highest One in the Universe. Worship team can come up— we are going to worship Him together.

A wise leader doesn’t completely abandon the past but builds on it as he or she moves toward the future. Moses is mentioned fifty-seven times in the Book of Joshua, evidence that Joshua respected Moses and what he had done for Israel. Warren Wiersbe