The Jordan River is one of the world's most famous rivers. it flows from north to south and marks the eastern boundary of the land of Canaan. It originates near Mt. Herman and a place called Caesarea Philippi. It flows southward into the beautiful Sea of Galilee, and from there it continues southward and finally empties into the Dead Sea where there is no ?outlet. It is only 65 miles from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, but the river bed itself is much longer than that because of its crooks and turns.

Seeing this river for the first time, one may be a bit disappointed. It is narrow, shallow and muddy. The current is so swift that it cannot be used for navigation. The Jordan River is famous for only one reason: its connection with many of the events that we read about in the Bible. It is first mentioned in Genesis, chapter 13. When Abraham and Lot separated, Lot chose the "plain of the Jordan" and pitched his tent toward Sodom, located at the southern end of the Dead Sea. It was later destroyed, serving as a warning to all who persist in their wickedness.

Not far from the northern end of the Dead Sea lie the ancient ruins of Jericho, where the walls fell at God's command. Nearby is where Israel, under the leadership of Joshua, crossed the Jordan and entered into Canaan. Although at flood stage, God caused the waters to stand back allowing Israel to cross over on dry ground. Twelve stones representing the tribes were placed in the midst of the river as a memorial.

Somewhere along this river, John came preaching repentance and baptizing for the remission of sins. It was here also that our Lord was baptized by John. John hesitated, saying that he needed to be baptized of Him, but Jesus insisted, and they went into the water where Jesus was immersed. Coming up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove, and God spoke from Heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" He had no sin, but this was done as an example for all to follow.

Going northward, we come to the beautiful Sea of Galilee. In stark contrast with the Dead Sea, it is teeming with fish. Some of the disciples were fishermen. Jesus dwelt in Capumaum for a while and did much of His teaching and performed most of His miracles in the towns and villages surrounding the sea. Once He taught the multitude from a boat. Once He walked upon the water, and once, He even stilled a tempest.

Near the head waters of the Jordan River stood the city of Caesarea Philippi. It was here that He promised: " . . . I will build my church; and the gates of hell (Hades) shall not prevent it". (Mk. 16:18) This promise was made upon the rock foundation that He is Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. On the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ from the dead, it was fulfilled, as revealed in the book of Acts, chapter two.

And so, roll on Jordan, roll on. Keep on bearing mute testimony, as ages come and go, of the might and mercy of the Almighty toward His own.