Have You 'CROSS'ed the Jordan?

On this Monday before Easter, may I encourage you to reflect on the subject question?

How was Israel’s Jordan River crossing different from the Red Sea crossing? While the Red Sea pictures our salvation; the crossing of the Jordan represents our baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection. God parted the Red Sea for their deliverance from their old life. The parting of the Jordan opened up their new life, and required their active participation.

Not until Israel’s Priests stepped into the Jordan did the waters divide. Those who follow Jesus into the waters of death and resurrection must take the first step of faith. Like Abraham who took the first step by leaving friends and family, or Peter whose first step was getting out of the boat, or the lame man whose first step was to get up, and pick up his bed. Conversely, the rich young man was unwilling to take the first step of faith by giving away all his possessions.

The Jordan crossing is a metaphor for baptism in the waters of “self-denial” and subsequent new life in Christ. Jesus calls committed disciples to leave all behind to follow Him. Crossing the Jordan is picking up your cross—taking your place with Jesus, to die to your own will. Like the Israelites we are to leave our WILL back in the Wilderness. As you approach Easter Sunday, ask yourself ‘Have I really CROSSed the Jordan?’ (Ro.6:4)