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{{DOD-March}}
Chapter 3 covers the miracle of the crossing of the [[Jordan]] River. In it we see the people sanctified (verses 1-5); Joshua magnified (verses 6-8); the [[Lord]] glorified (verses 9-13); and the [[Word]] verified (verses 14-17).
The Ark of the Covenant symbolized the presence of [[God]]. It went before the people to lead them, and it was kept in the midst of the river until all the nation passed over. Christ always goes before His people and opens the way, but the people had to sanctify themselves and be ready, for [[God]] was going to lead them in a new way (verse 4).
Two memorials are built in chapter 4--one by the twelve chosen men on the bank of the river, and the other by Joshua in the midst of the river. They were to be memorials of the crossing. The twelve stones on the bank of the [[Jordan]] came out of the midst of the river (verse 8), as evidence that [[God]] did part the waters and take His people safely across. The twelve hidden stones in the midst of the river could be seen only by [[God]], but they also spoke of [[Israel]]'s wonderful crossing.
The main lesson of these chapters is that there can be no conquest without [[death]] to self (crossing the [[Jordan]]) and identification with Christ's resurrection (the two memorials of stone). Before the [[Jews]] could gain [[victory]] over the enemy, they had to experience [[victory]] over [[sin]] and self (circumcision). Before we, as [[Christians]], can enjoy a victorious [[Christian]] life we must put away [[sin]] of the flesh and allow [[God]] to completely control our lives.