THE TWO CROSSINGS continued
The wisdom of the fathers
THE TWO CROSSINGS continued
In this second crossing, there is no Moses to stretch forth the rod of faith to prepare the way. There is not even a word that can be uttered to make the river open up. It was the stepping out in faith that activated this miraculous work of God.
God specifically brought the people up to the river at flood stage, making it two or three times deeper than usual. There would be no possibility of crossing over in their own strength. It would require a miracle from God.
No one should ever think they can work their way over into the life of promise by trying to improve their life. This crossing generally occurs when the difficulties seem to be at a maximum {helplessness being fully acknowledged} and the only choice is to step out in faith. “Arise, go over this Jordan, and it shall come to pass.”
In seeking to be fully sanctified, you need not try to sing or shout, or work yourself up to the faith point, for you cannot do it. You must lay aside all signs or sights or aids to faith and then calmly, firmly make up your mind to leave this world and its ways behind and simply step out on the promise. It is this choosing to die to the old self-directed and self-sufficient ways of the world that will miraculously separate the river.?
We should also note that God backed up the Jordan all the way to “Adam.” It implies a complete healing of the fallen nature that everyone receives from Adam. (Josh. 3:16) God’s image of holy love is restored when the vessel becomes filled with His Spirit. (Rom. 5:17)
(from "White Robes" by George D. Watson)