Beginning at the foot of Mount Hermon, the Jordan River travels about 25 miles before emptying into the Sea of Galilee. It continues to flow from the southern end of the Kinneret (Galilee) and wind its way to the Dead Sea, about sixty-five miles away. In most places the river is only fifty to seventy-five feet wide. The Jordan’s name was derived from words meaning, “to descend” or “go down.” Including its sources, it drops in elevation from Mount Hermon at 9,000 feet above sea level to 1,400 feet below at the Dead Sea. The Jordan River is mentioned nearly 200 times in the Bible. Its fast-flowing waters created a natural barrier between Canaan and the kingdoms to the east. Many ancient people considered their rivers sacred. The Egyptians honored the Nile. For the pagans who lived in Canaan, the Jordan River symbolized the power and protection of their fertility gods, the baals.

After wandering in the desert for forty years, the Israelites were finally ready to enter the Promised Land. But there was one last barrier in their way, the Jordan River with its fast-flowing waters at flood stage. The inhabitants of Canaan knew of Israel’s victories east of the Jordan. But with the river between them, they probably felt protected by the power of their gods demonstrated by the raging waters of their river.

Israel reached a moment of decision. They could either trust God and step into the dangerous river as He instructed or turn away in fear like their parents before them. Breaking camp, they prepared to cross. Under Joshua’s command, the priests of Israel carried the Ark of the Covenant — a symbol of God’s presence, provision, and power to the edge of the river. Looking down at the water below, the priests must have been terrified. But they took a step of faith. Immediately, the river ceased its mad rush to the south and God’s chosen people crossed on dry ground. The pagans who had trusted in Baal’s protection were stunned by the awesome power of Israel’s God and watched in fear from behind Jericho’s walls as Israel entered the land that would be theirs forever.

Hundreds of years later God Himself would make another dangerous crossing, leaving the safety of heaven to personally claim what is His. About 30 years later, the gospel accounts tell us that Jesus’ baptism took place somewhere near Israel’s crossing. The Jordan, a place for trusting God and taking the first step, was the place where Jesus began His ministry on earth. And just as the Israelites’ crossing began a new era of life in the Promised Land, so Jesus’ baptism also brought a new beginning for all who would belong to Him.

Being God’s ambassadors is usually difficult and sometimes dangerous. Proclaiming His message is not “politically correct”: In a world that worships gods of its own making, the truth of God’s Word is offensive. It requires that we leave behind what is familiar, comfortable, and safe. But our calling is clear. Just like the Israelites of old, all who are now called by His name reach moments of decision to “cross the Jordan” in pursuit of His calling. It requires getting our feet wet in dangerous waters.

We may prefer that God show us His long-range plans for our lives. Instead, He asks us to respond to his calling by taking a step of faith today, trusting that He has the future under control too. Today, there are many “Jordan Rivers” that hold Christians back from their calling. For some, it may be a job or a relationship that doesn’t honor God. For others, it may be an addiction or a fear of the unknown. But no matter what barriers we face, each of us must make a decision: Will we trust that God controls everything—including the obstacles and fears before us—and step out in faith? Or, will we stay on the other side of the Jordan and miss the opportunity to experience God’s power at work in our lives? Recommended Reading: Joshua 3 & 4, John 1.