The Church is in transition. The Lord is leading us to a new place that needs new leaders. Some leaders lost their authority due to disobedience, but those failures will not prevent the Lord from fulfilling His promises.

This transition mirrors a pivotal moment from Israel’s past. After Moses died, Joshua assumed command of Israel. The Lord assured Joshua that wherever he and Israel set foot, He would grant them that land as their inheritance.

Joshua’s first test was similar to Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea. Now, at flood stage, he would lead Israel across the Jordan on dry ground, just as Moses once did when Israel crossed the Red Sea. 

The instructions given to Joshua further established his leadership in Israel’s eyes. “The Lord told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses. Give this command to the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant: ‘When you reach the banks of the Jordan River, take a few steps into the river and stop there.’” (Joshua 3:7-8). “Today you will know that the living God is among you” (vs. 10).

Israel’s crossing of the Jordan as they followed the Ark of the Covenant parallels the Church today. We are to continue moving forward following the Spirit rather than halting in the face of human failure. 

Such a crossing calls for courage and patience from new leadership. The priests stood on a dry riverbed, holding onto the Ark, as people passed by, waiting until all of Israel had completed their crossing.

The current transition of the Church requires us to keep moving under the Spirit’s leadership. Those who keep moving forward will see the Lord do amazing things in their future.