Listen to this devotion
A Break in the Road
In the Word
… and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away … (Joshua 3:15–16a).
Of the Word
No matter how carefully we plan, we will probably encounter obstacles on a long trip. On their way to Canaan, the Israelites ran into a large obstacle — the Jordan River. During its flood stage, the Jordan can be up to a mile wide, twelve feet deep, and very swift. But almighty God stood up the waters so the Israelites could cross over on dry ground.
With the Ark of the Covenant at the head of the procession, God led the Israelites safely across the Jordan.
There is no longer a physical Ark of the Covenant to lead us when we face the raging rivers of this world, but Jesus is always there to be our guide. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6b). When our way is dark He is the Light who leads the way. His way is the only way to eternal life.
Walking with my Lord
O Great Guide, You lead me in the way You have planned for me. Help me to follow, trusting always in You amidst the raging rivers of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 15/28 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
