Just as the Jordan River was handpicked by God as a place of divine encounter, so you are chosen by Him. And the many stories of miracles associated with it serve as a powerful reminder: The Kingdom of God is present wherever you are. And every test you face is an opportunity for God to display His power.
Last year, I spent some time reflecting on the miracle crossings of the Jordan River, and how the river itself flows throughout biblical history. As I meditated on the stories of the Jordan, seven powerful insights emerged:
1. God Chooses the Ordinary for His Glory
It is not impressive when compared to the grandeur of many rivers of the world, but for those who depend upon the Jordan River as a resource, and to those who perceive its divine purpose, it is a river of great value and beauty.
In 2 Kings 5, Naaman questioned the Jordan River's worth compared to other rivers, saying, "Aren't the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn't I wash in them and be healed?" (2 Kings 5:12, NLT). But when he dipped in the Jordan River the seventh time, as Elisha instructed him, his leprosy was healed.
The Jordan River was not just an ordinary river; it was God's chosen river! Likewise, God has chosen and appointed you to be the vessel of the Holy Spirit.
"...For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV)
2. God Provides Miracles for His People
Miracle Pathway: Three times, God parted the Jordan's waters, and three times God's people crossed the river on dry ground. Today, hear God say, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you..." (Isaiah 43:2, NKJV). (Photo via Pixabay)
Provision: A river is, by nature, a source of provision, because it waters the region surrounding it. But the Jordan was also the location of divine provision. God sent ravens to feed Elijah at the brook Cherith, which the Bible mentions "flows into the Jordan" (see 1 Kings 17:3). And there he drank for a time, in drought.
Healing: God healed Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, of leprosy as he dipped in the Jordan (see 2 Kings 5).
Restoration: The Jordan River was the site where one of the prophets lost an ax head as they built by the waters. Elisha cast in a stick and that heavy ax head floated to the surface (see 2 Kings 6:1-7).
The tests you are facing are opportunities in disguise. God is anointing your eyes to see that this is no ordinary location, for the Kingdom of God is here! Angels are present and ready to do His work.
3. The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry
The prophet Isaiah foretold, "...there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine" (Isaiah 9:1-2, NLT; see also Luke 1:79).
The Jordan River played a significant role in the life and ministry of Jesus. There, in obedience, Jesus was baptized by John. And as He stood in the Jordan's waters, God the Father spoke from Heaven: "...'You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased'" (Mark 1:11, NIV). This marked the beginning of His miraculous ministry, and the vicinity all around saw His glory. And Jesus' disciples baptized many new followers in the Jordan River (see John 4:2).
4. New Beginnings and Entering the Promises of God
The Jordan River speaks of new beginnings and of entering the promises of God. It was the site where the Israelites entered the Promised Land of Canaan (see Joshua 3). And it is where, generations later, John preached and baptized crowds of people into repentance. And in the waters of baptism, we also celebrate our new life with God—identifying with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
5. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit Flows Like a River
Jordan means "downward" or "descender" (see Strong's H3383). What is the ultimate river? The Holy Spirit (see John 7:38-39).
As Jesus came up from Jordan's waters, Heaven opened, and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove. Later Jesus said, "I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49, NIV).
Just as He chose the Jordan River, God has handpicked you to be the conduit of His power. Through you His Spirit flows to others, touching and transforming lives. You may feel inadequate, but still God says, "I choose you!" Today, you can leave this moment knowing you have encountered God. (Photo via Flickr)
6. The Power of Obedience
The miracles of the Jordan provide powerful lessons of faith and obedience. Time and time again, as people responded obediently to God's instruction (even, as in Naaman's case, reluctantly) the Lord performed wonders.
7. God Visits Us at the Lowest Point
Geographically, the Jordan River has the lowest elevation of any river on Earth, while the Dead Sea has the lowest elevation and is the lowest body of water on Earth.
Just as the Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea, the river of God in Ezekiel 47 flows into the Dead Sea—but wherever it goes, it makes the waters fresh and full of life. It reappears in Revelation, speaking of an eternal reality. This speaks to us of God visiting us at our lowest point, where He brings life and transformation.
Today, God invites us to enter in like the prophet Ezekiel. He draws us to go deeper into His river, carrying us where only He can go, as we become His vessels of life to the nations.
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Helen Calder
Enliven Ministries
Email:Â helen@enlivenpublishing.com
Website:Â www.enlivenpublishing.com
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries, in the David McCracken Ministries family. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in the areas of prophetic ministry, discernment and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog, an online prophetic training and mentoring resource that reaches thousands of people globally. Helen and Malcolm have been married for 37 years and are at home in Planetshakers Church, Melbourne, Australia.
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