9/1/22
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| In loving memory of my father Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023 |
This word concerns the significance of the Jordan River, particularly as it applies to the Body of Christ today. The word "Jordan" means "descend" or "flow down." It is known for being a fertile valley and an important landmark. The Jordan River is mentioned more than 185 times in the Bible.
In the natural realm, the Jordan river rises on the slopes of Mount Hermon, on the border between Syria and Lebanon, and descends or flows southward through northern Israel to the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Tiberias), which is the lowest freshwater lake in the world. Exiting the sea, it continues south, before emptying into the Dead Sea, which is the lowest saltwater lake in the world. The surface of the Dead Sea, at an elevation of about 1,400 feet below sea level is the lowest land point on Earth. The Dead Sea is much larger than it's northern counterpart. The Dead Sea is dead because it is so salty. Twenty-five percent of the water's contents are salts. The water is clean and beautiful looking, but it is bitter and nauseous to the taste. The salts in the Dead Sea are worth billions of dollars and are as valuable as any oil field. The Dead Sea is so salty because it has no outlet. The reason the Sea of Galilee is so sweet, is that it has both an inflow and an outflow. It both receives and gives.
The Dead Sea, however, only receives and never gives. It is full of riches but there is no life in it. The difference between the two lakes makes for a very good spiritual life lesson. Because of many years of drought, both lakes are drying up. Please think about the spiritual significance of that fact. The Dead Sea speaks of the worldly systems; the Sea of Galilee speaks of the Christian community. Both are drying up and neither of the two seas are aware of their condition.
The Jordan River descends to the lowest of all river levels by the time it enters the Dead Sea, so it is a symbol of death unto our old man or self, but it is a symbol of life, health, and fulfillment when we come up out of the water as a new man in Christ. In many respects it becomes a perfect analogy for the Christian life. For someone to become a Christian he or she must be brought down (to understand the depth of his or her sin), like the Jordan descends. Then the person must pass through (repenting and believing) as the Israelites passed through on dry land when Joshua led them to cross the Jordan (Joshua 3:16). Then they are baptized as John the Baptist was baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. Paul wrote, in
Most of the year, the Jordan River was about 100 feet wide and only three to ten feet deep. However, when the Israelites crossed, it was at flood stage, overflowing its banks. Floods in Scripture usually speak of the work of the enemy, who wants to keep us out of the Promised Land.
Before we get into more of the spiritual significance of the Jordan River, let us look at the situation in the world today, somewhat of a state-of-the-union synopsis. This word on the Jordan River complements several other thoughts that we have received over many of the past years. We have had a growing awareness that the United States may well personify Babylon, as described in Revelation 18. Without any doubt the church community today is living in the last stages of the Laodicean Church, which was and is characterized by deception and apathy, just as both the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea are drying up.
We all know, from the witness of the Spirit, our personal observations and experiences, and from the most superficial level of Scripture, that there is a rapidly increasing distinction in the world today between darkness and light. The events of September 11, 2001, and everything that has happened since then, loudly proclaim this truth. We have seen wars and rumors of wars. The Capitol riot of January 6, 2021, is unprecedented in American history. Our country is divided politically, socially, racially, and economically. Even the Christian community is divided. Some Republicans have stated that if Donald Trump is indicted for any crimes, there will be riots in the streets. Most likely that is true. Add to that the pandemics of Covid and monkeypox, plus climate change, inflation, and abortion rights, and we have a seething pot that is about to boil over.
We are concerned with the Jordan River, and particularly the swelling of the Jordan. This verse is current events. This is a time of contending with horses; a time of the swelling of the Jordan.
In 1999, I had another very dramatic experience at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, where I was teaching at the time. I had an occasion one day to walk over to an administration building. As I walked into the building, I recognized the catholic priest who was assigned to Marymount. He was talking to a young, attractive, smiling woman who worked there. I spoke to them both briefly. She told me that she was in a graduate catholic theology program. The next day I had an opportunity to witness to that young woman about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how the Lord had apprehended me. I also told her that I had written several Christian articles and would bring her a few (that I thought she could more easily digest). Then she told me that one day God would bring me back into the "fold." By that she meant, of course, that I was a "lost" soul and needed to get back into THE church. A good catholic, of course, believes that anyone outside of the catholic church is in danger of hell fire, needs to repent, and join up with them. Well, I made a tactical error, I suppose, when I told her that elephants would fly before I would join the Roman catholic church. She was doing something at her computer at the time. When she turned and looked at me, I saw the SAME hatred in her eyes that killed the Lord Jesus 2,000 years ago. NEVER in my life have I ever seen such hatred in the eyes of any person. I believe that if she had had a gun, she would have shot me! That brought to my mind the scripture in
Now let us consider the spiritual significance of the Jordan River. The Jordan River played an important role in a number of memorable events from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Jordan River is first mentioned in scripture in Genesis 13, when Abraham told Lot to choose whichever way he would go and he (Abraham) would go the other way.
So Lot looked with his natural eyes and was led by his natural flesh to choose a way which led, except for the grace of God, only to destruction. Note that the plain of Jordan looked, in the natural realm, like the garden of the Lord and like the land of Egypt in the time of plenty. This speaks of the great deception that is already upon the earth. We MUST have discernment to be able to distinguish between the unclean and the clean ... from that which is holy and that which is profane. Scripturally, historically, and experientially, the church community has been and still is lacking in discernment.
One of the most symbolic chapters in scripture is 2 Kings 2. This chapter relates the events that occurred just prior to the time when Elijah was taken up by a whirlwind into heaven. In that chapter, Elijah says that the Lord had sent him from Gilgal to Bethel, to Jericho, and then across the Jordan River. This represents a progression in the spiritual life of a believer. Gilgal was a place of circumcision and Passover; Bethel represents anointing and revelation; Jericho always speaks of spiritual warfare; but with Elijah the Jordan came AFTER Jericho. When Elijah crossed the Jordan river (outbound), he was translated into heaven and the presence of the Lord.
Quite a number of years ago, one of the Lord's servants related that Jordan speaks of inheritance. That is close. But perhaps to be a little more accurate, Jordan speaks of entrance into inheritance. It was at the Jordan River that the Israelites crossed over into the Promised Land. And what about the entrance itself?
The last words recorded in the Gospel of John that Jesus spoke to his disciples before being taken, prior to His crucifixion, were:
Thus, the Jordan River is symbolic of tribulation. We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22), just as the Israelites passed over the Jordan River into the Promised land. It is also significant that Paul and Barnabas did not speak that word about tribulation to the believers in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch until about six years AFTER those believers had been apprehended by the Spirit of God. There is about six-years difference between the first part of Acts 14 and the last part of the same chapter.
In the second reference to the Jordan River, as recorded in Genesis 32:22, Jacob wrestled in his mind with the Lord at the ford of the Jabbok, one of the major tributaries of the Jordan. That was not a natural, physical wrestling match.
Because the Israelites made a difficult and hazardous journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land, the Jordan also refers to freedom. The actual crossing was the final step of the journey from bondage to freedom. It becomes a symbol of victory and deliverance: saying good-bye to slavery and hardship, and entering a new life of promise and hope. The symbolism of crossing the Jordan River does not end with salvation from sin and being born again (John 3:3). In daily life, as we Christians face difficulties, experience doubt, and struggle against sin, we cross many "Jordans." The Bible teaches we may walk with confidence through them because God is with us to deliver us just as He was with Joshua.
The Jordan also is symbolic of God's provision. Elijah was miraculously fed by ravens at the book Cherith, east of the Jordan (1 Kings 17:2-7).
Some key scriptures are found in Joshua. In Joshua 3:4, the people are told that "for ye have not passed this way heretofore." To continue in Joshua, Chapter 3,
In verse 15 of Joshua, chapter 3, the priests that bare the ark speaks of the priests, the sons of Zadok in Ezekiel 44. They are the overcomers, the firstfruits, the he-goats before the flocks, the trail blazers that go before and make it possible for all the people to cross the Jordan on dry ground. They also speak of the priests, the ministers of the Lord who will fulfill Joel 2:17 as they weep between the porch and the altar on behalf of the body of Christ. The ark speaks of the presence of the Lord.
Chapters 3 and 4 of Joshua both speak of taking a man out of every tribe. This says that ALL Israel is involved in passing over Jordan. ALL believers must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. The greater significance of the swelling of the Jordan (which time is upon us) is that it is a prelude to the time of harvest; a great harvest of souls for the kingdom of God! The two go together ... the swelling of Jordan and a great harvest. This parallels the spiritual relationship of suffering and glory. Every time that suffering is spoken of in scripture, the glory is not far behind! But there will be NO great harvest without the swelling of Jordan; no glory without suffering.
Naaman, the Syrian king, was healed of leprosy by dipping seven times in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:8-14). At first, Naaman refused to wash in the Jordan River because he said that Syria had two rivers which were more beautiful than the Jordan. He was undoubtedly right in the natural realm, but he underestimated the power of the word of God. John the Baptist began his ministry of preaching at the Jordan, proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Later, John baptized Jesus there, marking the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry (Mark 1:9).
At one time, the major thought that we had received from those verses was that Jesus was baptized in water and so all believers should also be baptized in water. Although that is true, it was not so much the fact that Jesus was baptized in water, but rather the particular water, namely the Jordan River, that has the greater significance. When the mother of Zebedee's children came to Jesus and asked that her two sons might sit beside Jesus in His kingdom,
Jesus was NOT talking about being baptized in water. Instead, Jesus was referring to His soon-coming of baptism of suffering and death. That was the cup that the Father had given to Him. Once again, the carnal mind tries to pull scripture down to a level that the natural mind can understand.
Another chapter filled with symbolic significance is 1 Chronicles 12. The first part of that chapter speaks of those who came to David when David was still being hunted by Saul; or when things were the toughest. After naming many who came to David, we read, in
Because of the short fuse in the world, and because there are numerous deceived people in the world today, we need to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves in our working, driving, and in every encounter with those of the world. Certainly, a key verse for us is,
So what should we do? Prepare ye the way of the Lord ... in our whole being ... and all that this preparation involves. We could easily expand on this word "preparation" at length. But there is only one safe, secure place of peace in the time of tribulation ... in Christ! Should we focus on the tribulation ... the great tribulation which is upon us? Of course not! But we should know of its coming, even as Jesus knew what He was to endure. Should we focus on the great harvest that will follow shortly after the swelling of Jordan (or rather parallel it)? Not at all! But it will surely come! Shall we focus on the glory of the Lord that shall be revealed? Here again, we might miss the mark! All these are true and worthy. However, our crowning focus is to be the Person of the Lord Jesus.
The word of action for us today is the same as that which Joshua gave to the people before they crossed over the Jordan.
We like to focus on the Lord doing wonders among us. But there is a word which precedes the wonders ... sanctify yourselves!
We like to focus on the glory of the Lord being revealed. But who likes for our personal mountains and hills to be made low, our crooked places straight, our rough places plain?
Preparation! That which has been, has been to prepare us for this day. That which is, is to prepare us for tomorrow. And that which shall be, is to prepare us to walk with the Lord in His kingdom for eternity!
The swelling of the Jordan is at hand! But greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world. Amen and Amen.
In the natural realm, the Jordan river rises on the slopes of Mount Hermon, on the border between Syria and Lebanon, and descends or flows southward through northern Israel to the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Tiberias), which is the lowest freshwater lake in the world. Exiting the sea, it continues south, before emptying into the Dead Sea, which is the lowest saltwater lake in the world. The surface of the Dead Sea, at an elevation of about 1,400 feet below sea level is the lowest land point on Earth. The Dead Sea is much larger than it's northern counterpart. The Dead Sea is dead because it is so salty. Twenty-five percent of the water's contents are salts. The water is clean and beautiful looking, but it is bitter and nauseous to the taste. The salts in the Dead Sea are worth billions of dollars and are as valuable as any oil field. The Dead Sea is so salty because it has no outlet. The reason the Sea of Galilee is so sweet, is that it has both an inflow and an outflow. It both receives and gives.
The Dead Sea, however, only receives and never gives. It is full of riches but there is no life in it. The difference between the two lakes makes for a very good spiritual life lesson. Because of many years of drought, both lakes are drying up. Please think about the spiritual significance of that fact. The Dead Sea speaks of the worldly systems; the Sea of Galilee speaks of the Christian community. Both are drying up and neither of the two seas are aware of their condition.
The Jordan River descends to the lowest of all river levels by the time it enters the Dead Sea, so it is a symbol of death unto our old man or self, but it is a symbol of life, health, and fulfillment when we come up out of the water as a new man in Christ. In many respects it becomes a perfect analogy for the Christian life. For someone to become a Christian he or she must be brought down (to understand the depth of his or her sin), like the Jordan descends. Then the person must pass through (repenting and believing) as the Israelites passed through on dry land when Joshua led them to cross the Jordan (Joshua 3:16). Then they are baptized as John the Baptist was baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. Paul wrote, in
Romans 6:4, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Most of the year, the Jordan River was about 100 feet wide and only three to ten feet deep. However, when the Israelites crossed, it was at flood stage, overflowing its banks. Floods in Scripture usually speak of the work of the enemy, who wants to keep us out of the Promised Land.
Before we get into more of the spiritual significance of the Jordan River, let us look at the situation in the world today, somewhat of a state-of-the-union synopsis. This word on the Jordan River complements several other thoughts that we have received over many of the past years. We have had a growing awareness that the United States may well personify Babylon, as described in Revelation 18. Without any doubt the church community today is living in the last stages of the Laodicean Church, which was and is characterized by deception and apathy, just as both the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea are drying up.
John 3:19-20, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds be reproved."
We all know, from the witness of the Spirit, our personal observations and experiences, and from the most superficial level of Scripture, that there is a rapidly increasing distinction in the world today between darkness and light. The events of September 11, 2001, and everything that has happened since then, loudly proclaim this truth. We have seen wars and rumors of wars. The Capitol riot of January 6, 2021, is unprecedented in American history. Our country is divided politically, socially, racially, and economically. Even the Christian community is divided. Some Republicans have stated that if Donald Trump is indicted for any crimes, there will be riots in the streets. Most likely that is true. Add to that the pandemics of Covid and monkeypox, plus climate change, inflation, and abortion rights, and we have a seething pot that is about to boil over.
2 Timothy 3:1-5, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
1 Timothy 3:12-13, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."
This is a day that people in the world have a short fuse! I remember an occasion many years ago as I was driving home from work. I noticed that the right lane ahead was closed, and that the driver of a car was trying to move over from the right lane to the center lane so that he could proceed. When I approached the car, I slowed to almost a full stop and motioned for the driver to get in front of me into the center lane. When I did so, the driver of the car behind me became enraged (at the thought of having to wait a few extra seconds) and blew his horn loudly. This type of event, of course, is rather commonplace.
On another occasion, as I was driving into Washington, D.C. during rush hour and bumper-to-bumper traffic, I saw a car move one lane to the left to get ahead of an oil truck, which could not accelerate fast enough to stay close to the car in front of him. The driver of the oil truck obviously became enraged, jumped out of his truck, ran to the car that had moved in front of him and opened the door of that car. I thought there was going to be a fight, but it was just a shouting match.
There are many documented instances, particularly in California, when motorists have shot at other motorists because of apparent driving habits, similar to the one I just shared. In the December 29, 1987, issue of the Washington Post newspaper, a Baltimore woman was reported to have been shot in a crowded movie theater after her companion asked a man blocking their view to move. Even these types of events are becoming more common. But everything seems to take on more significance when you experience it for yourself.
The course of my work from 1986-1987 frequently took me to a site in the District of Columbia which has a gate and guards. I had a pass to get into the gate and a parking sticker on my car. One morning, as I turned in my car into the area where the main gate is, there were two cars in front of me, waiting for the gate to fully open before I (and they) could proceed, so I slowed, normally, to a stop behind the car in front of me. I recognized the man in the car in front of me, although I did not know his name, and never had reason to work with him. I also recognized the woman in the car in front of him, but likewise did not know her name. Then, after I had stopped, I noticed the man in the car in front of me waving his arms furiously. I had no idea why he was waving his arms. I assumed that he was upset with the woman in front of him, and wanted her to hurry up and drive through the gate. I happened to park next to the woman who had been two cars in front of me. She was a very gentle, black woman, who may well have been a Christian (at least she exhibited the outward characteristics). We walked into the building together, exchanging pleasant conversation, until we arrived at the location where I picked up the computer listings that I needed. At that point, the man who had been between our two cars suddenly appeared, obviously very upset, and asked me if I worked there. Before I could answer, the woman said, yes, I did. Then he said to me, "Back there at the gate, you missed hitting me by that much (indicating one inch with his fingers). If you EVER get that close to me again, I will kill you!" Then the man left as suddenly as he had appeared. The black woman, who had been standing with me all of this time, said that she did not understand why he had said the things that he did, that she had seen what happened at the gate (which was nothing), and that she thought that I should report the incident. She also said that she would be my witness.
That was the first time (to my knowledge) that anyone has ever threatened to kill me, so when he said what he did to me, I was literally speechless. I really did not know what to say or do. Then the supervisor of the black woman walked by. She proceeded to tell her supervisor what had just happened. He laughed. I did NOT laugh.
After reflecting a short while on the incident, several thoughts came to my mind. One thought was that perhaps I could talk to the man and help him. A second thought was that he was obviously a very disturbed man. Although I had no fear of him physically (he was perhaps 55 years old, about 5'8" tall, and about 135 pounds), you never know what a disturbed man with a gun might do. And if I just ignored the incident, who knows but what the next day he might actually kill someone else?
I received three different levels of light shortly after the incident. The first, or superficial level, had to do with the event itself. The second, and more meaningful, level was also a personal word for me with respect to my work situation at that time. Neither of these two levels are of any real significance for you. However, the Spirit of God began to quicken some scriptures to me. This continued over a period of about one month. One of the first scriptures that came to my mind was Jeremiah 12:5.
On another occasion, as I was driving into Washington, D.C. during rush hour and bumper-to-bumper traffic, I saw a car move one lane to the left to get ahead of an oil truck, which could not accelerate fast enough to stay close to the car in front of him. The driver of the oil truck obviously became enraged, jumped out of his truck, ran to the car that had moved in front of him and opened the door of that car. I thought there was going to be a fight, but it was just a shouting match.
There are many documented instances, particularly in California, when motorists have shot at other motorists because of apparent driving habits, similar to the one I just shared. In the December 29, 1987, issue of the Washington Post newspaper, a Baltimore woman was reported to have been shot in a crowded movie theater after her companion asked a man blocking their view to move. Even these types of events are becoming more common. But everything seems to take on more significance when you experience it for yourself.
The course of my work from 1986-1987 frequently took me to a site in the District of Columbia which has a gate and guards. I had a pass to get into the gate and a parking sticker on my car. One morning, as I turned in my car into the area where the main gate is, there were two cars in front of me, waiting for the gate to fully open before I (and they) could proceed, so I slowed, normally, to a stop behind the car in front of me. I recognized the man in the car in front of me, although I did not know his name, and never had reason to work with him. I also recognized the woman in the car in front of him, but likewise did not know her name. Then, after I had stopped, I noticed the man in the car in front of me waving his arms furiously. I had no idea why he was waving his arms. I assumed that he was upset with the woman in front of him, and wanted her to hurry up and drive through the gate. I happened to park next to the woman who had been two cars in front of me. She was a very gentle, black woman, who may well have been a Christian (at least she exhibited the outward characteristics). We walked into the building together, exchanging pleasant conversation, until we arrived at the location where I picked up the computer listings that I needed. At that point, the man who had been between our two cars suddenly appeared, obviously very upset, and asked me if I worked there. Before I could answer, the woman said, yes, I did. Then he said to me, "Back there at the gate, you missed hitting me by that much (indicating one inch with his fingers). If you EVER get that close to me again, I will kill you!" Then the man left as suddenly as he had appeared. The black woman, who had been standing with me all of this time, said that she did not understand why he had said the things that he did, that she had seen what happened at the gate (which was nothing), and that she thought that I should report the incident. She also said that she would be my witness.
That was the first time (to my knowledge) that anyone has ever threatened to kill me, so when he said what he did to me, I was literally speechless. I really did not know what to say or do. Then the supervisor of the black woman walked by. She proceeded to tell her supervisor what had just happened. He laughed. I did NOT laugh.
After reflecting a short while on the incident, several thoughts came to my mind. One thought was that perhaps I could talk to the man and help him. A second thought was that he was obviously a very disturbed man. Although I had no fear of him physically (he was perhaps 55 years old, about 5'8" tall, and about 135 pounds), you never know what a disturbed man with a gun might do. And if I just ignored the incident, who knows but what the next day he might actually kill someone else?
I received three different levels of light shortly after the incident. The first, or superficial level, had to do with the event itself. The second, and more meaningful, level was also a personal word for me with respect to my work situation at that time. Neither of these two levels are of any real significance for you. However, the Spirit of God began to quicken some scriptures to me. This continued over a period of about one month. One of the first scriptures that came to my mind was Jeremiah 12:5.
"If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?"
We are concerned with the Jordan River, and particularly the swelling of the Jordan. This verse is current events. This is a time of contending with horses; a time of the swelling of the Jordan.
In 1999, I had another very dramatic experience at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, where I was teaching at the time. I had an occasion one day to walk over to an administration building. As I walked into the building, I recognized the catholic priest who was assigned to Marymount. He was talking to a young, attractive, smiling woman who worked there. I spoke to them both briefly. She told me that she was in a graduate catholic theology program. The next day I had an opportunity to witness to that young woman about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how the Lord had apprehended me. I also told her that I had written several Christian articles and would bring her a few (that I thought she could more easily digest). Then she told me that one day God would bring me back into the "fold." By that she meant, of course, that I was a "lost" soul and needed to get back into THE church. A good catholic, of course, believes that anyone outside of the catholic church is in danger of hell fire, needs to repent, and join up with them. Well, I made a tactical error, I suppose, when I told her that elephants would fly before I would join the Roman catholic church. She was doing something at her computer at the time. When she turned and looked at me, I saw the SAME hatred in her eyes that killed the Lord Jesus 2,000 years ago. NEVER in my life have I ever seen such hatred in the eyes of any person. I believe that if she had had a gun, she would have shot me! That brought to my mind the scripture in
John 16:1-2, where Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service."
Now let us consider the spiritual significance of the Jordan River. The Jordan River played an important role in a number of memorable events from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Jordan River is first mentioned in scripture in Genesis 13, when Abraham told Lot to choose whichever way he would go and he (Abraham) would go the other way.
Genesis 13:10, "Then Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar."
So Lot looked with his natural eyes and was led by his natural flesh to choose a way which led, except for the grace of God, only to destruction. Note that the plain of Jordan looked, in the natural realm, like the garden of the Lord and like the land of Egypt in the time of plenty. This speaks of the great deception that is already upon the earth. We MUST have discernment to be able to distinguish between the unclean and the clean ... from that which is holy and that which is profane. Scripturally, historically, and experientially, the church community has been and still is lacking in discernment.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
One of the most symbolic chapters in scripture is 2 Kings 2. This chapter relates the events that occurred just prior to the time when Elijah was taken up by a whirlwind into heaven. In that chapter, Elijah says that the Lord had sent him from Gilgal to Bethel, to Jericho, and then across the Jordan River. This represents a progression in the spiritual life of a believer. Gilgal was a place of circumcision and Passover; Bethel represents anointing and revelation; Jericho always speaks of spiritual warfare; but with Elijah the Jordan came AFTER Jericho. When Elijah crossed the Jordan river (outbound), he was translated into heaven and the presence of the Lord.
Quite a number of years ago, one of the Lord's servants related that Jordan speaks of inheritance. That is close. But perhaps to be a little more accurate, Jordan speaks of entrance into inheritance. It was at the Jordan River that the Israelites crossed over into the Promised Land. And what about the entrance itself?
The last words recorded in the Gospel of John that Jesus spoke to his disciples before being taken, prior to His crucifixion, were:
32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:32-3321 And when they [Paul and Barnabas] had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:21-22
Thus, the Jordan River is symbolic of tribulation. We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22), just as the Israelites passed over the Jordan River into the Promised land. It is also significant that Paul and Barnabas did not speak that word about tribulation to the believers in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch until about six years AFTER those believers had been apprehended by the Spirit of God. There is about six-years difference between the first part of Acts 14 and the last part of the same chapter.
In the second reference to the Jordan River, as recorded in Genesis 32:22, Jacob wrestled in his mind with the Lord at the ford of the Jabbok, one of the major tributaries of the Jordan. That was not a natural, physical wrestling match.
Because the Israelites made a difficult and hazardous journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land, the Jordan also refers to freedom. The actual crossing was the final step of the journey from bondage to freedom. It becomes a symbol of victory and deliverance: saying good-bye to slavery and hardship, and entering a new life of promise and hope. The symbolism of crossing the Jordan River does not end with salvation from sin and being born again (John 3:3). In daily life, as we Christians face difficulties, experience doubt, and struggle against sin, we cross many "Jordans." The Bible teaches we may walk with confidence through them because God is with us to deliver us just as He was with Joshua.
The Jordan also is symbolic of God's provision. Elijah was miraculously fed by ravens at the book Cherith, east of the Jordan (1 Kings 17:2-7).
Some key scriptures are found in Joshua. In Joshua 3:4, the people are told that "for ye have not passed this way heretofore." To continue in Joshua, Chapter 3,
14 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;15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for the Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even to the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
In verse 15 of Joshua, chapter 3, the priests that bare the ark speaks of the priests, the sons of Zadok in Ezekiel 44. They are the overcomers, the firstfruits, the he-goats before the flocks, the trail blazers that go before and make it possible for all the people to cross the Jordan on dry ground. They also speak of the priests, the ministers of the Lord who will fulfill Joel 2:17 as they weep between the porch and the altar on behalf of the body of Christ. The ark speaks of the presence of the Lord.
Chapters 3 and 4 of Joshua both speak of taking a man out of every tribe. This says that ALL Israel is involved in passing over Jordan. ALL believers must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. The greater significance of the swelling of the Jordan (which time is upon us) is that it is a prelude to the time of harvest; a great harvest of souls for the kingdom of God! The two go together ... the swelling of Jordan and a great harvest. This parallels the spiritual relationship of suffering and glory. Every time that suffering is spoken of in scripture, the glory is not far behind! But there will be NO great harvest without the swelling of Jordan; no glory without suffering.
Naaman, the Syrian king, was healed of leprosy by dipping seven times in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:8-14). At first, Naaman refused to wash in the Jordan River because he said that Syria had two rivers which were more beautiful than the Jordan. He was undoubtedly right in the natural realm, but he underestimated the power of the word of God. John the Baptist began his ministry of preaching at the Jordan, proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Later, John baptized Jesus there, marking the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry (Mark 1:9).
Matthew 3:13-15, "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbid Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then He suffered him."
At one time, the major thought that we had received from those verses was that Jesus was baptized in water and so all believers should also be baptized in water. Although that is true, it was not so much the fact that Jesus was baptized in water, but rather the particular water, namely the Jordan River, that has the greater significance. When the mother of Zebedee's children came to Jesus and asked that her two sons might sit beside Jesus in His kingdom,
But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto Him, We are able. Matthew 20:22
Jesus was NOT talking about being baptized in water. Instead, Jesus was referring to His soon-coming of baptism of suffering and death. That was the cup that the Father had given to Him. Once again, the carnal mind tries to pull scripture down to a level that the natural mind can understand.
Another chapter filled with symbolic significance is 1 Chronicles 12. The first part of that chapter speaks of those who came to David when David was still being hunted by Saul; or when things were the toughest. After naming many who came to David, we read, in
1 Chronicles 12:1, "These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west."
In other words, they came during the swelling of the Jordan; they were the firstfruits. The second part of that chapter relates those who came to David to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel. It is much better to come to Jesus late than never at all!
If you likewise witness to this being a time of the swelling of Jordan, then what must we do? One received word of wisdom is that which Jesus told His disciples before He sent them out to harvest.
If you likewise witness to this being a time of the swelling of Jordan, then what must we do? One received word of wisdom is that which Jesus told His disciples before He sent them out to harvest.
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16
Because of the short fuse in the world, and because there are numerous deceived people in the world today, we need to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves in our working, driving, and in every encounter with those of the world. Certainly, a key verse for us is,
3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 40:3-5
So what should we do? Prepare ye the way of the Lord ... in our whole being ... and all that this preparation involves. We could easily expand on this word "preparation" at length. But there is only one safe, secure place of peace in the time of tribulation ... in Christ! Should we focus on the tribulation ... the great tribulation which is upon us? Of course not! But we should know of its coming, even as Jesus knew what He was to endure. Should we focus on the great harvest that will follow shortly after the swelling of Jordan (or rather parallel it)? Not at all! But it will surely come! Shall we focus on the glory of the Lord that shall be revealed? Here again, we might miss the mark! All these are true and worthy. However, our crowning focus is to be the Person of the Lord Jesus.
The word of action for us today is the same as that which Joshua gave to the people before they crossed over the Jordan.
Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. Joshua 3:5
We like to focus on the Lord doing wonders among us. But there is a word which precedes the wonders ... sanctify yourselves!
Isaiah 40:3-5, "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
We like to focus on the glory of the Lord being revealed. But who likes for our personal mountains and hills to be made low, our crooked places straight, our rough places plain?
Preparation! That which has been, has been to prepare us for this day. That which is, is to prepare us for tomorrow. And that which shall be, is to prepare us to walk with the Lord in His kingdom for eternity!
Isaiah 60:1-3, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."
The swelling of the Jordan is at hand! But greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world. Amen and Amen.
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