Joshua 3-5

God gave Joshua THE PLAN to cross the Jordan river. He sent the Ark, carried upon the shoulders of 12 leaders, to stand with their feet in the waters. Immediately, God began causing the river’s waters to begin stacking upstream. The entire congregation saw this miraculous demonstration of God’s power and control over nature. They were awed. God had thereby put his stamp of approval upon Joshua’s leadership. He was revered the rest of his life.

God similarly endorses leaders today by protecting them and blessing them. He defends them from gainsayers when they, like Jesus, defer to God’s power and methods.

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. [1 Tim. 5:17]