Nature forms us, sin deforms us, prison tries to reform us and education informs us but only the gospel can transform us. A prostitute came to be changed by the power of the gospel. She is no longer a harlot but marries Salmon and in so doing becomes part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. She moved from a house of shame to the hall of fame. See Hebrews 11:31.

1 – The possibility of miracles (vs. 1-5)

A miracle is the Lord doing wonders. If you believe in God then you won’t have any problem accepting miracles. God does not operate according to the laws of nature. Nature operates according to the laws of God. God created everything and can do away with it all if he wanted. He does not need anyone’s permission.

Miracles cannot be explained. To explain miracles, you would need to be able to explain God. We don’t explain everything about God. We don’t have to explain if miracles are plausible.

This is what happed when Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch out in the desert. See Acts 8:26-40. Jesus met the woman in Samaria. See John 4:4-42. God loves sinners who are hungry for God. He needs prepared soul winners who are available. God will then transform lives.

2 – The purpose of miracles (vs. 6-10)

There are four reasons.

• To commence a programme (vs. 4) – God was starting something new for the people. God does something miraculous to confirm this.
• To confirm a prophet (vs. 7) – God confirmed Joshua. It was the same God with a different man this time. The apostles performed miracles to confirm their ministry. See 2 Corinthians 12:11-12.
• To comfort a people (vs. 9-10) – God confirmed Joshua. It was the same God with a different man this time. The apostles performed miracles to confirm their ministry. See 2 Corinthians 12:11-12.
• To communicate a principle (vs. 10) – There was difficulty and God would see them through it. The same God is with us in the day of miracles and any other day. They should have a memorial to remember what God has done.

3 – The preeminent miracle (vs. 11-17)

The Ark was a piece of furniture for keeping things in safe storage. The Ark would be brought through the Jordan by priests as the waters would part.

• The Ark is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• The River Jordan was a river of judgment and death.

Jesus was baptised in this same river. Jesus went through judgment and death and stopped it in its tracks. It was done at great cost to God. God is not looking for people who are seeking miracles like the world looks for magic. Miracles can be performed by Satan to deceive people. This is true in the last days. See Matthew 24:24. The new birth is the greatest miracle of all. God can stop this judgment and death happening to you.

Categories: Joshua