Pastors, the Priesthood, and Going "All In." - Part 1

A few months ago our women's group studied the lesson about the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. I knew about them crossing the Red Sea with Moses but I didn't remember that the waters were parted again.

Turning to the book of Joshua we find the Israelites, post Egypt, wilderness, and Red Sea. God told Joshua that it was time for them all to go into Canaan and take the land - the land promised to them when they left Egypt.

Pack it up folks. It's moving day.

There were two problems with that - 1. a ridiculously fast and wide river 

2. people who wanted to kill them on the other side.

The river, which normally was only about 100 ft across, was at flood stage and near one mile wide. For hundreds of thousands of Israelites to cross by foot would be impossible. Except that, you know, God promised it would happen.

The Israelites Cross the Jordan - Joshua 3

1 Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. 2 After three days the officers went throughout the camp, 3 giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.”

8 Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’ ”

 11 See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. . 13 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.”

14 "So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho."

That's right. The first ones to step into the river were not fierce warriors who may seem like a logical choice, but were the priests - the ones who carried the Ark. 

The Ark carried God's commandments and was the literal presence of God when it was in the temple. The Israelites were told to stay (.62 miles) behind the Ark. One reason was in reverence of the Ark and the other was to keep it in view of everyone so that it could be followed the whole time. They had never gone this way before.

17 "The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground."

The priests were not themselves in a place of prominence, but served by carrying the Ark which visually represented the presence of God to the people. They stepped into danger first and then waited in the middle until everyone was safely to the other side. They gave their lives as an offering to lead others and obey God. We are not talking about a 9 to 5 job.

It struck me how even today pastors and other leaders are asked to do the same. They are out in front to guide people and are the first to face the challenges God puts before the congregation. God chooses them not to be above us, but out in front. They need courage and strong faith to carry out God's vision for leading the flock. Although all kinds of obstacles and opposition will arise they can rest in the faith that God will clear their path if they are walking close to God and following God's scriptural plan for their church. Regularly hemmed in by personal challenges, spiritual attacks, opposition ahead and occasional doubt from (some of) the flock behind, they have step forward with courage into unsteady waters, without faltering, toward the unknown. (I heard there are a lot of meetings and paperwork too.) Despite what lies ahead or behind they must swallow their own fear and commit. They must go all in.

As humans, our leaders are still susceptible to temptation, pain, and fear. But, they don't have the luxury of shrinking back or panicking when out in front. I hope that we can pray for our pastors, honor them, and offer support and grace. They are a blessing. I am grateful to have pastors in my life and church that I truly believe hear from the Holy Spirit and commit to God and their congregation. I hope you have some in your life too.

{I originally intended to write this in time for pastor appreciation month because of the

similarities between the Old Testament priests that entered the Jordan and pastors of today. I soon realized, however, that the lesson goes much deeper.}

Up next:

Part 2 - 
What does the priest thing have to do with me?


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http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+3&version=NIV