Manchaca UMC

Lesson 8: Risk Precedes Miracle.  

When it came time for the ancient Israelites to end their forty years of wandering in the desert, they came to the River Jordan. To enter the Promised Land they had to cross the river. That may not seem difficult but as desert wanderers they did not know how to swim. Also the river could be ten feet deep and move swiftly when at flood stage. It can be a dangerous river. Even today I hear of tourists in the water getting knocked off of their feet and being swept downstream by the Jordan. However, God tells the people to have the priests jump in the Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant. If they do then they will see a miracle. We should note that these priests could not swim, were wearing heavy robes and also were carrying an object which weighed at least two thousand pounds! As a priest I might have asked if God had another option available.

God could have had them wait a few months until the water receded so that they could wade across. God could have said, “Just stick your toe in and I’ll do the rest.” But God didn’t. Instead God asked for an “all in” commitment. And what happened? A miracle- the rivers parted after the priests jumped in and the people crossed over on dry ground.
This provides valuable lessons for us: first of all, miracles often follow risk. Later they marched around Jericho and shouted instead of laying siege to the city. And the walls fell down! In Israel our leader noted that often God does miracles when our feet are wet and sometimes not before then! Secondly, when we take the leap of faith, the rest of the path often appears. Too often we want to see the whole path before we take the first step. Remember when Indiana Jones jumped off of the lion statue into thin air and only then did the bridge over the canyon appear. Ancient rabbis call this the “life leap” or leap of faith. Usually if we only stick our toe into the water of faith we will not fully experience the presence and power of God. Finally, we see that God calls leaders to take the first risk on behalf of others. Leaders, teachers, parents and grandparents make a way for those behind them by taking the risks which faith brings their way.

Perhaps you are staring now at an intimidating river in your life. You could stick your toe in and miss the adventure God has for you. You could also jump in and experience the exhilarating fun of the water and the miracles which often follow the leap.

~David