By: Carl Holland
…and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan,
and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water…
that the waters which came down from upstream stood still…
Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD
stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan;
and all Israel crossed over on dry ground –Joshua 3:15-17
Do you remember the scene in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where Indy was faced with having to cross a deep crevice to find the Cup of Christ to save his father’s life? His book of clues collected over the years told him “only in the leap from the lion’s head will he prove his worth.” From his position he could not see the bridge across the gap because it was so well camouflaged with the background of the rocky walls on the other side. Everything his senses took in around him told him he couldn’t get across, and it took a step of faith beyond what he could see, but his father was depending on him. He takes that step into seemingly thin air, but finds firm footing. The camera then pans to the side and we can now see the bridge across the divide.
And when Peter had come down out of the boat,
he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid;
and beginning to sink he cried out,
saying, “Lord, save me!” –Matthew 14:29-30
When the Israelites entered Canaan the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant went in first. The Ark was the dwelling place of God on Earth, so they were literally putting God first as they went in to occupy the Promised Land. It wasn’t until the priests actually stepped into the Jordan River that the waters parted. It was quite literally their step of faith that made the way for the Israelites to claim the promise of God. Peter, too, took a step of faith and walked on the water. It wasn’t until he took his focus off of Jesus that he began to sink. Everything else around him told him he couldn’t do this, kind of like Indy seeing nothing but a huge gap he couldn’t jump over. We may have storms all around us, seemingly insurmountable problems, and we may not even know which way to turn when we look at our circumstances, but we have to take a step of faith. “Be still and know that I am God” does not mean sit and do nothing! We may not know what direction to go, but we need to step in faith with our focus on Jesus, and when we do, God promises to guide us and uphold us. Are you stuck in neutral, spinning your wheels, don’t know where to go? Is God calling you to trust by faith His Son, the Lion of Judah, to bridge the gap between you and Him? Walking with God requires taking steps, so get out of your boat, keep your eyes on Jesus, and start stepping, and He will lead you to the Promised Land He has in store for you!
