***And you shall know the truth. And the truth will set you free!!!***

The crossing of Jordan was a major turning point in Israel’s journey. It was a new day for them in almost every aspect. The old generation and leadership had died off. A new generation and leadership had arisen. The wilderness testings were over and a new land awaited them. After they crossed Jordan, their attitude was completely changed too. They never wanted to return to Egypt anymore. Something had happened in their hearts and in their nature. Even their diet changed. The manna ceased and they began to partake of the fruit of the land.

What exactly does the crossing of Jordan signify? The very fact that the city of Adam is connected with their passage across Jordan is significant. Adam speaks of our old sinful nature. That they immediately came to Gilgal after crossing Jordan is remarkable too (Josh 4:19). Gilgal is the place of circumcision, the cutting away of the flesh. The crossing of Jordan, therefore, represents the “dead to sin” experience of Romans 6:6. God’s people experienced salvation by the blood of the lamb when they were in Egypt. They marched out of Egypt, passed through the Red Sea (water baptism) and entered the wilderness. Then they came to Mount Sinai at Pentecost. But although they were out of Egypt, Egypt had never gotten out of them. Whenever the going got tough, they murmured that they wanted to return to Egypt.

After Jordan, something changed. The Jordan experience removed Egypt from their hearts once and for all. They no longer desired to go back to the world. The Adamic nature was dealt with and they were circumcised from the flesh. God broke the power of sin and the love for the world at Jordan. Jordan is equivalent to Romans 6:6, “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Romans 6:6 renders your old man- or sin nature- inoperative. Romans 6:6 is a real experience. “Knowing this” in the Greek means “knowledge that comes by an experience.” It is neither something you grow into, nor something you claim by faith. It is a sovereign appointment and meeting with God. It is a definite revelation from God of what He did on Calvary’s cross. When you have such an experience, your life will never be the same again.

As the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, there were seven whole nations to defeat. They were the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites and the Jebusites (Josh 3:10). These seven nations could well represent seven things that are an abomination to the Lord. “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Pro 6:16-19). Israel was commanded to utterly destroy these seven nations and their kings.

These kings and domains represent enthroned areas of the “self-life” where ego still reigns instead of the Lord. They are the pockets of resistance, preventing us from fully experiencing the kingdom of God. These kings are proud, rebellious, and self-willed. Each king guards and protects his own interests and furiously opposes anyone or anything that dares to tamper with even an inch of his territory.

God wants to ultimately settle His presence and glory on Mount Zion. But even that location was guarded by the Jebusites. Mount Zion is a picture of the believer’s heart in which God wants to reside. But the heart has many enemies of the kingdom that we need to subdue. Jesus says, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matt 15:19).

The Lord appeared to Joshua with a sword drawn in His hand as they were about to go against the enemies of the land (Josh 5:13-15). We must seek God earnestly and allow Him to confront is with the directness of His Word concerning those rebellious areas of our heart. Until the enemies of righteousness within us are dealt with, we can never enter into full rest. While they are still alive and active, they cause unrest, frustration and defeat.

Unfortunately, Israel was complacent and settled for a compromise. They allowed many little enemies to stay in the land of their inheritance. The Scriptures make it clear that Joshua did not bring them into full rest (Heb 4:8). Full rest is ours when we subdue all our enemies and secure our hearts- the spiritual Mount Zion- for God to build His habitation.

So r u now willing to take the step of faith to cross Jordan in ur lives? R u gg to abandon all the sinful nature in you n embark onto God’s ways n plan for u in ur lives? Are you gg to let God be in centred-controlled of ur lives? Are u gg to enter into full rest in Him? Remember it is a choice, thus choose wisely!!!

Labels: Sermon

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