There are times in our lives when we will be unable to make a physical crossing from one season to the next, but we can still make a spiritual crossing. It becomes a spiritual crossing if we are willing to send someone or something of value with those who will make the crossing themselves. In these times, we will have to watch from a distance those who are making a physical crossing.

An elderly man named Barzillai came along with others to help David and his company cross the Jordan River. “He was very old – eighty years of age – and very wealthy. He was the one who had provided food for the king during his stay in Mahanaim. “Come across with me and live in Jerusalem,” the king said to Barzillai. “I will take care of you there” (II Samuel 19:32-33).

Barzillai responded, “I am far too old to go with the king to Jerusalem. I am eighty years old today” (vs. 34-35). Barzillai then listed some health and aging issues that indicated he would not be able to make the physical crossing with David.

“Just to go across the Jordan River with the king is all the honor I need! Then let me return again to die in my own town, where my father and mother are buried. But here is your servant, my son Kinham. Let him go with my lord the king and receive whatever you want to give him.” (vs. 36-37). David agreed and said, “I will help him in any way you would like” (vs. 38)

“So, all the people crossed the Jordan River with the king. Among those making the crossing was Barzillai’s son, Kinham. After David had blessed Barzillai and kissed him, Barzillai returned to his own home” (vs.39).

There will come a time in our lives when we will be unable to physically join those who are following the Lord. Our faith will be expressed from a distance.

We can still make a spiritual crossing if we have prepared one of our spiritual sons or daughters to make the crossing as a representative of our lives. That is what the continuance of our spiritual lineage will look like, where those we have loved and invested in now take our place, representing us and our generation in the future adventures of God.