“A Wondrous Crossing” (Joshua 3)

Message Overview

Joshua 3 meets us in the place where God-given responsibilities feel overwhelming. Israel is standing at a flood-stage Jordan with an impossible assignment ahead—giants, walled cities, hostile nations—and the very first obstacle is a raging river. Into that moment Joshua declares God’s promise:
“Tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” (Josh. 3:5)

This chapter is not merely a record of an ancient miracle; it is a foundational lesson for God’s people. The Lord teaches Israel that if they will follow His presence and step forward in obedient faith, He will do what is beyond their strength. And for us, the Jordan crossing echoes the larger theme of Scripture—God makes a way of salvation through Jesus. The cross proves He is the Wonder-working God, and the same grace that brought us in is the grace that sustains us through every “Jordan” we face today.

Outline

1. The Preparation for God’s Wondrous Work
   (Josh. 3:1–5)
   1. Follow His Direction: move forward in obedience, even into the unknown (vv. 1–4)
   2. Turn from Sin: sanctify yourselves—repentance prepares the heart for God’s work (v. 5)
2. The Purpose of God’s Wondrous Work
   (Josh. 3:7, 10)
   1. To authenticate His presence with His servant: “as I was with Moses… so I will be with you” (v. 7)
   2. To strengthen faith in God as the Promise-Keeper: “Hereby you shall know the living God is among you… and He will without fail drive out…” (v. 10)
3. The Plan for God’s People in the Wondrous Work
   (Josh. 3:6, 8–9)
   1. Complete obedience to God’s Word: “come… hear the words of the LORD your God” (v. 9)
   2. Complete dependence on God’s presence: priests stand in the Jordan with the ark (v. 8)
4. The Power Behind God’s Wondrous Work
   (Josh. 3:10–13, 17)
   1. Resurrection Power: “the living God is among you” (v. 10)
   2. Sovereign Power: “the Lord of all the earth… shall rest in the waters… and the waters… shall be cut off” (vv. 11–13)

Big Idea

When God calls His people into overwhelming responsibilities, He does not call them to self-reliance—He calls them to obedient faith, repentance, and dependence on His presence, so that His wonder-working power will be seen among them.