In the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Jones is seeking the Holy Grail. As he discovers the cave where the Grail is located, there are a variety of puzzles he must undertake to successfully get to the room where the Grail resides. One of the puzzles he must solve requires him to step out into the gap or abyss without any clear view of a bridge to catch his foot. The instructions in the book he is following intimates there is an unseen bridge. As Indiana Jones makes his first step, it is with great uncertainty as he takes a giant “step” into the abyss. To his great relief and surprise, there is a bridge. The bridge appears in its fullest and he can pass across the abyss.
In our obedience to Jesus’ call on your lives, we often are called to take steps without any certainty, except our trust in the One who is calling us. In Joshua 3:15-17 we read:
“Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan” (NRSV).
The priests were instructed to enter the Jordan at flood stage. The passage is unclear as to whether it was when the first priest dipped his feet into the edge of the water or if all the priests’ feet were in the water before the waters stopped flowing and rose into a heap. Consider the faith and trust of the priests who take those first steps. Consider how God is acting differently, for at the Red Sea, the water stacked up and the ground became dry before the people traversed through the sea. Now, God is calling for the leaders to get wet as they first enter the water. We know the priests are then blessed with dry ground, but they had to take the first step.
Our obedience to Jesus’ call on our lives may take the initial risk that does not make sense and may not be a way we have been called to be obedient in the past. Yet, God in God’s faithfulness provides for us amid our uncertainty. Whether the path seems clear in front of us without the risk of the first uncertain step or God is waiting for us to take that first step before the path becomes clear, we can know God is with us.
Is God calling you to take a first step that is uncertain and risky? If yes, do you trust the Lord who brought the Israelites through the flooded Jordan to bring you through as you are obedient to the Lord? It may mean you have to get a little wet before the dry ground comes, but you can know that God will make a way for you.
Prayer: Lord, I really like when your call to me requires little risk from me. Yet, as I look throughout the Scriptures and the experience of brothers and sisters who have traveled before me, I know risk will be in order at times. Give me the courage to be obedient when I must get my feet wet in obedience. I trust you to provide for me. Forgive me for my waning faith and strengthen my heart to follow you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Cover Image Featured: Spielberg, Steven, director. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. 1984.