Thursday, July 17, 2014

Thursday, July 17, 2014

JOSHUA 3:14 - 4:7

     All water stories in the Bible are baptism stories. The story of the Crossing of the Red Sea transformed the Children of Israel from a nation of slaves to a nation of free people. In the next 40 years, wandering in the Sinai desert forged them into a nation with one God and a clear identity.  In that time, God fed them with quail and manna each day.  Water came to them from a rock when they feared they would die of thirst.  God led them with a fiery pillar and gave them laws written with his own hand.  They were dependent and helpless, but they grew and learned. In this story, the Crossing of the Jordan transforms them into a people with a homeland.  Now, they must stand on their own as a nation. 

     The Israelis do not walk into an empty land of milk and honey. They have to fight for it, city by city. Certainly, this story establishes Joshua as the successor of Moses But it also identifies him as the military leader of an invading army who will go on to wipe out many Palestinian cities – men, women, children, and all cattle – in the name of God.  The stories to come later are brutal, but in Joshua 3 we are only at the beginning of the Promised Land story. And it’s not about Joshua the ‘hero’. It’s all about the fact that God is WITH US.  Whether God is with one person, or a whole nation, that idea dominates this story from end to end. In the O.T., whoever has God on their side, are the good guys. Alas, that idea cuts both ways in modern day Palestine…  

     In this passage, powerful symbols are at work. Like the Red Sea, the Jordan River is piled up (in the peak of flood season we are told). The people pass safely across on dry land. The Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence with the people, accomplishes this miracle of nature. The water stops the moment the feet of the priests who carry the Ark touch the river.  This echoes Moses calling on God to part the waters. Twelve men, one from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, are chosen to carry a large stone to make a monument where the priests stood, to remember the crossing. This story prepares us for powerful Jewish religious rituals yet to come. So many rich symbols in one story may suggest that the text is not the work of one writer, but carefully edited after the fact by later scholars.

     The Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea at its northern end. To cross it, it makes military sense for Joshua to bring the Israelites up the eastern shore of the Dead Sea and enter the Promised Land from there. But Joshua is not just a smart army general. Like Moses, he has a solid sense of history and heritage. He says…

“In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean? tell them
that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.
These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”

     This indicates that he is aware of the power of story and tradition. He is aware that the next generation will not remember the 40 years on the Sinai. Stories and symbols need to be created to solidify the Israeli presence. At the same time, Joshua is confident that the Israelis will live a long time in this land – long enough to tell children stories.

     Do I believe this story to be an historical account? I think too many hands have added to this story over the years to trust it all. Do I believe that this story is packed with powerful images of faith and determination to fulfill a destiny – oh yes! There are 12 stones carved with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel on the priest’s Ephod or linen breastplate. Stone altars and cairns dot the landscape of Palestine as various O.T. characters gave thanks for deliverance or blessings. Jewish traditions are rich with stories told to children and adults alike, keeping a focus on their faith in God.

     Above all, this story is about God’s presence in our lives every moment of every day. We may not have big roaring rivers to cross, but our challenges feel just as overwhelming. And the idea of God’s constant watchfulness over us, and willingness to help us is great comfort in those hard times.

Peter Mansell, July 1, 2014