1. Follow the ark (1-6)

God's people were at the edge of the Jordan, the border of the Promised Land. They had never been this way before. God told Joshua to let the ark of the covenant lead the way. The ark symbolized God's living presence among them; it contained the Bible. God still leads his people by his word. The ark was carried by Levites, as the Law of God commanded.

2. The living God is among you (7-17)

The powerful and hostile Canaanites were on the other side of the Jordan; Joshua's leadership was untested. God used the miraculous crossing of the Jordan to teach the people that God was with Joshua, as he had been with Moses. God would be with them to drive out their enemies. The Jordan was at flood stage, but when the feet of the priests carrying the ark touched the water, the water piled up in a heap and the people crossed the river on dry ground. God who opened the way for them to leave Egypt, was opening the way to enter the promised land.

Application: Lord, I do not know the way unless you lead me. Help me to follow your word.
One Word: Cross over by faith; follow God's word