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God still parts impossible rivers when His people move together with unified purpose and faith.
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Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host, Elgin Kerelock. The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing the Word of Truth, and learning how to apply it to our daily lives. You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast. And now, here's Elgin.
Brothers and sisters, I welcome you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, to another edition of Words of Inspiration, where we explore God's Word and discover how it transforms our daily living. And today, we're continuing our journey through the book of Joshua in our series, Studying the Bible Together. Today's episode is titled, "The Power of Unity." And we're diving into Joshua, chapters three and four, which record one of the most remarkable
displays of unity and divine power: the crossing of the Jordan River. Here's our primary point for today. God still parts impossible rivers when His people pursue a common vision, support one another through sacrificial service, and memorialize His faithfulness for the next challenge and the next generation. The miracle at Jordan wasn't just about stopping the water. It was about what happens when God's people move together in unified purpose.
Let us pray. Almighty God, we thank you for the power of unity that flows from your heart. As we study the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, open our eyes to see how you work through your people when they come together with one heart and one purpose. Help us to understand the power of common vision, sacrificial service, and remembering your faithfulness. Unite our hearts with yours and with one another. In Jesus's name we pray, amen.
Let's begin with Joshua, chapter 3, verses 1 through 3. It reads, "Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shitem and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, 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 position and follow it."
Notice the unity of action here.
All the Israelites moved together. This wasn't a small group of brave volunteers. This was an entire nation moving as one. But their unity wasn't based on human leadership alone. It was centered on following God's presence, represented by the ark of the covenant. Here's what's remarkable. The Jordan River was at flood stage during harvest time. This wasn't a small stream. It was a raging, impossible barrier. But watch what happens when God's people unite behind his vision.
Joshua 3 verses 16 through 17 records the miracle. "The water from upstream stopped flowing; it piled up in a heap, a great distance away, while the water flowing down to the Sea of Araba was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood firm on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had crossed on dry land." But here's the key: the priests didn't wait for the water to stop before stepping in.
Joshua 3:13 shows their faith in action.
"And as soon as the priests, who carried the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all earth, set foot in the Jordan, its water flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap."
This teaches us that unity requires sacrificial service. The priests were willing to step into the flood river first, trusting God to come through. Their willingness to take the risk for the benefit of the entire community made the miracle possible.
Then comes Joshua in chapter 4, verses 1 through 3, where God commands them to memorialize the miracle. "Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from the right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you, and put them down at a place where you stay tonight."
God knew the future generations would need to remember what He had done. Joshua 4, verses 6 through 7, explains the purpose. It reads, "In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' Tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When they crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
This passage reveals three essential elements of unity that still apply today: Common vision, sacrificial service, and memorializing God's faithfulness. Psalm 133:1 declares, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity." But unity doesn't just happen, it must be intentionally cultivated. So how do we create this kind of powerful unity in our households, workplaces, and communities? Let me give you four practical ways.
First, establish a common vision rooted in God's purposes. Amos 3:3 asks, "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?"
Unity begins when people share the same destiny and the same values. In your household, regularly discuss your family's mission and values. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? In your workplace, identify how your work contributes to something bigger than just profit. In your community, find common ground in serving others and making a positive impact. When people share a vision bigger than themselves, they naturally work together. Second, practice sacrificial service for the common good.
Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others." The priests stepped into the flooding Jordan first, putting their community's needs above their own safety. Unity requires people who are willing to take risks, make sacrifices, and serve others' interests. Look for opportunities to go first, to volunteer for the difficult tasks, and to put the team's success above your personal recognition.
Third, celebrating and memorialize victories together. Just as Israel set up stones to remember God's faithfulness, we need to intentionally celebrate what God has done through our unity. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves; a cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Take time to acknowledge when your family, team, or community overcomes challenges together. Share stories of God's faithfulness. Create traditions that remind everyone of what you've accomplished through unity. This builds faith for future challenges.
And finally, maintain unity through consistent communication and mutual respect. Ephesians 4 verses 2 through 3 calls us to be completely humble and gentle. Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Unity isn't maintained automatically. It requires ongoing effort. Regular family meetings, team check-ins, and community gatherings help maintain alignment. Address conflicts quickly and directly. Listen to understand, not just to respond. Show respect for different perspectives while staying focused on common goals.
Here's what we learned from the Jordan Crossing. When God's people unite around His purposes, He does the impossible. But notice the order. The people had to move together first. Then God performed the miracle. 1 Corinthians 1:10 challenges us. "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say, and that there be no division among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
The Jordan River Crossing wasn't just about getting to the other side. It was about demonstrating to the watching world what happens when God's people work together. Your household, your workplace, your community is watching too. When they see genuine unity, they get a glimpse of God's heart. Jesus prayed in John 17 and 21, "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. But they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
Unity among God's people is a powerful testimony to a divided world. So here's your challenge for today. Identify one impossible river facing your household, workplace, or community. Then ask yourself, "How can we pursue a common vision? Who needs to step into the flood first through sacrificial service? And how can we memorialize God's faithfulness when He comes through? Take one concrete step this week to build unity around that challenge.
Remember, God still parts impossible rivers when His people move together with unified purpose and faith. Father God, thank you for the example of Israel at the Jordan River, and a reminder that you do the impossible through unified people. Help us to pursue common vision rooted in your purposes, to serve one another sacrificially, and to remember and celebrate your faithfulness. Break down the walls of division in our families, workplaces, and communities. Give us the courage to step into flooding rivers when you call us to move together.
May our unity be a testimony of your power to a watching world. In Jesus Christ's name we pray, amen. I thank you for spending time with me on today, and I look forward to our time together around tomorrow. Until then, God bless.
The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth. If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone. You can find The Bible Speaks on Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and many more. Follow us on YouTube at The Bible Speaks Online. You may contact Elgin at PO Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478, or by email at [email protected].
Page updated November 13, 2026 · transcript and summary are machine-generated
