Part the Waters, Lord

Crossings were significant in Biblical history, and they are significant now since we are still in Biblical times. The Israelites had to cross the Red Sea that God parted. Even after all He had done, they wanted to go back to Egypt to slavery and their sin. Why? It seemed easier. It was the first great obstacle of the Israelites. 

The second great obstacle of the Israelites was the parting of the Jordan River. This time, it was not a reminder of their sin as the first crossing had been. They were crossing the river now with full confidence and victory! God, yet again, was showing his power and authority and deliverance of His people. 

The Priests had to put their feet in the water first. Part the waters, Lord. 

The Pilgrims had to make their crossing. When they realized the treachery, the hardship, and when they faced death and significant suffering, they were given multiple options to turn back. They refused because they knew freedom in Christ was worth more than safety and security hidden behind the lies of the state church. 

The Pilgrim Fathers put their feet in the water first. Part the waters, Lord. 

When Washington had to make the frozen, painful crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night in 1776, there was no earthly probable way they would defeat the Hessians. It was brutally cold with ice chunks floating in rivers, men bloodied with ripped and torn skin, and many quite sick and ill-clothed. Despite hemorrhaging proper weaponry and supplies, they put their boats in the water. They did not look back. 

Washington put his proverbial feet in the water countless times.  He oversaw each man as they, too, put theirs in at that physical crossing.  Part the waters, Lord. 

The Israelites stacked twelve stones from the Jordan River as a remembrance of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and all God had done for them. They remembered. 

The Pilgrims finally landed at Plymouth and Jamestown and were able learn from their successes and failures of braving a new world. They were able to establish the first peace treaty lasting 50 years with the Indians. They shared the Gospel with many. They remembered. 

Washington, with Divine Help, was able to defeat the Hessian army and that victory was a major turning point in the American Revolutionary War. He had that one, pivotal victory. It was all he needed. He gave thanks and praise to God and was simply obedient for over 45 years to the Lord. He remembered. 

You, too, will have a Crossing. The waters are here. Will you put your feet in? Will you serve as called? The Lord will part the waters, but we must obey. We must remember what God has done for us personally, nationally, and as a whole world. The key to reformation is found in remembering what God has done and repenting of our sins personally and nationally. We can find restoration through this.

We must offer ourselves as a consecrated people and remember that God is faithful to every promise. Let’s step in together. Part the waters, Lord.