Joshua 3
THE cross of Christ is presented in different ways: in the passover night of Exo. 12; the crossing of the Red Sea in Exo. 14; and in Joshua, chapters 3 and 4.
The first tells of putting to death of an acceptable substitute, and of the consequent safety from the judgment of God of those who are under the shelter of the blood.
The second pictures redemption, God’s positive work of freeing the sinner, and bringing him out of Satan’s power, into a new position in relation with God.
The third presents the believer’s entering practically into what God has done for him. In the crossing of the Jordan is seen death and resurrection with Christ, and entrance into what, for the Christian, is a heavenly position, though not literally the glory, for there are enemies to be conquered in that new place.
The people approach to the river’s brink, and halt for three days. Then when the ark (type of Christ) goes before them, they, seeing it, remove from their place and follow it. Yet there must be a measured space between the ark and the people, because of the immeasurable value of the Person whom the ark typified, and His work.
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:3.
This is an immense truth, standing alone through time and eternity, but it is also true that I (the believer) am crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20). The ark (Christ) has gone before me into the river of death; I am to follow, in the experience of my soul, associated with Him by faith.
“All that we were in the flesh has found its end in the cross of Christ. We can say, ‘I am dead to sin, dead to the law’ (Rom. 7:4). My eyes, fixed on the ark—on Christ—see in Him the end of my personality as a child of Adam; but in Him also a victorious power, now made mine, introduces me in resurrection life in Him. beyond death into the full enjoyment of the things which this life possesses: I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (Gal. 2:20).”
“The living God” (verse 10) was among them, and that was assurance that He would without fail drive out from before His people every enemy. The full flood of death, the waters of sin, was met by the ark (verse 15) (Jesus went down under that which here in the type is cut off. Psa. 69:1, 2), and therefore the people passed over on dry ground, the ark making a way. “Thus the Jordan became not a barrier, but an entrance into heavenly places for the people of God. Efficiently Christ is there till all are over.”
Reader, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Where do You stand at this moment? Saved, or lost? And if saved, have you realized that God is done with man according to the flesh?
ML 05/24/1925