Joshua 3:14-17 And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan… I. THAT WHATEVER DIFFICULTIES MAY ARISE IN THE CHRISTIAN'S PILGRIMAGE, THE MOST FORMIDABLE AWAITS HIM AT ITS CLOSE. Reserve, then, your resources. Do not waste your moral strength in useless sighing over ills that are incident to human life, and which are blessings rather than curses if patiently borne. Remember that some really formidable obstacle may ere long be placed in your path, and that floods of suffering may be before you. The lesser troubles wisely borne will prepare you for greater ones — will teach you calmly to meet and eventually to triumph over them, as did the Israelites when, after encountering the perils of their desert-life, they came at length to "the swellings of Jordan." II. THAT GOD HAS PROVIDED APPROPRIATE MEANS BY WHICH THE DIFFICULTIES INCIDENT TO THE CHRISTIAN LIFE MAY BE OVERCOME. 1. He endows us with moral courage. Faith in God will give us firmness in times of danger; we shall be calm when others are agitated, and steadfast when others are moved. 2. He vouchsafes His gracious presence. And where God is there is peace and safety. Victory over temptation, comfort in trouble, support in death, all are insured by the presence of God. 3. He provides a guide. It was not under Moses, but under Joshua, that the Israelites crossed the Jordan, yet all and more than Joshua was to the Israelites the Saviour is to us; going before to show us the way, encouraging us by His example and sustaining us by His grace. (H. J Gamble.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people; |
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