Just as the Jordan River was handpicked by God as a place of Divine encounter, so you are chosen by Him.
And the many stories of miracles associated with it, serve as a powerful reminder:
The Kingdom of God is present wherever you are.

  • And every test you face is an opportunity for God to display His power

7 Prophetic Insights from the Jordan River

Last year, I spent some time reflecting on the miracle crossings of the Jordan River, and how the river itself flows throughout biblical history.
As I meditated on the stories of the Jordan, some powerful insights emerged:

1. God Chooses the Ordinary for His Glory

"The Jordan River: 7 Prophetic Insights" on image of brown and gold waterIt is not impressive when compared to the grandeur of many rivers of the world.
But for those who depend upon the Jordan River as a resource, and to those who perceive its Divine purpose, it is a river of great value and beauty.

In 2 Kings 5, Naaman questioned the Jordan River’s worth compared to other rivers, saying, “Aren’t the rivers of Damascus…better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” (2 Kings 5:12, NLT)

But when he dipped in the Jordan River the seventh time, as Elisha instructed him, his leprosy was healed.

The Jordan River was not just an ordinary river, it was God’s chosen river!
Likewise, God has chosen and appointed you to be the vessel of the Holy Spirit. “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7b).


2. At the Jordan River, God Provided Miracles for His People

A. Miracle Pathway
Three times, God parted the Jordan’s waters, and three times God’s people crossed the river on dry ground. Today, hear God say, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you…” (Isaiah 43:2a)

B. Provision
A river is by nature a source of provision because it waters the region surrounding it.
But the Jordan was also the location of Divine provision.
God sent ravens to feed Elijah at the Brook Cherith, which the Bible mentions “flows into the Jordan” (1 Kings 17:3). And there he drank for a time, in drought.

C. Healing
God healed Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, of leprosy as he dipped in the Jordan. (2 Kings 5)

D. Restoration
The Jordan River was the site where one of the prophets lost an axe head as they built by the waters. Elisha cast in a stick and that heavy axe head floated to the surface (2 Kings 6).

The tests you are facing are opportunities in disguise.
God is anointing your eyes to see—this is no ordinary location, for the Kingdom of God is here!
Angels are present and ready to do His work.


3. Jesus’ Ministry Began at the Jordan River

The prophet Isaiah foretold:
“…there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.”
(Isaiah 9:1-2 NLT, see also Luke 1:79)

The Jordan River played a significant role in the life and ministry of Jesus.
There in obedience, Jesus was baptized by John. And as He stood in the Jordan’s waters, God the Father spoke from Heaven:
“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).
This marked the beginning of His miraculous ministry, and the vicinity all around saw His glory.
And Jesus’ disciples baptized many new followers in the Jordan River (John 4:2) [3].


4. The Jordan River Symbolizes New Beginnings

The Jordan River speaks of new beginnings and of entering the promises of God.
It was the site where the Israelites entered the Promised Land of Canaan (Joshua 3).
And it is where, generations later, John preached and baptized crowds of people into repentance.
And in the waters of baptism, we also celebrate our new life with God—identifying with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.


5. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit Flows Like a River 

“Jordan” means “downward” or “descender” (Strong’s H3383). What is the ultimate river? The Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39).
As Jesus came up from Jordan’s waters, Heaven opened, and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove.
Later Jesus said, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised, but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

Just as He chose the Jordan River, God has handpicked you to be the conduit of His power.
Through you His Spirit flows to others, touching and transforming lives.
You may feel inadequate, but still, God says, “I choose you!”
Today, you can leave this moment knowing you have encountered God.


6. At the Jordan River, We See the Power of Obedience

The miracles of the Jordan provide powerful lessons of faith and obedience. Time and time again, as people responded obediently to God’s instruction (even, in Naaman’s case, reluctantly!) the Lord performed wonders.


7. God Visits Us at the Lowest Point

Geographically, the Jordan River is the lowest-elevation river on earth, while the Dead Sea is the lowest land elevation on earth.

Just as the Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea, the River of God in Ezekiel 47 flows into the Dead Sea [4]—but wherever it goes, it makes the waters fresh and full of life. It reappears in Revelation, speaking of an eternal reality.

This speaks to us of God visiting us at our lowest point, where He brings life and transformation.
Today, God invites us to enter in, like the Prophet Ezekiel. He draws us to go deeper into His river, carrying us where only He can go.
And we become His vessels of life to the nations.


Notes:
[1] References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_River
A sample of the Scriptures referring to the Jordan River is here.

[2] At present, the Jordan River is facing environmental threats. Let’s pray and do whatever we can to protect and care for this important symbol and source of life for many who live in the region today.

[3] Even today, many Christians travel to worship there, to remember Jesus’ baptism.

[4] While I mention a similarity, the River of God in Ezekiel can also be contrasted to the Jordan River. The Jordan River has natural sources and tributaries, while the River of God flows from God’s presence located in His temple and follows a different course. This spiritual river also represents the Spirit flowing from us (John 7:39).


Related Posts

6 Biblical Insights About the River of Life
Crossing the Jordan River: 3 Words to Unlock Your Destiny
4 Ways to Enlarge Your Gifts and Ministry


Leave a Comment
Have these prophetic insights from the stories of the Jordan River spoken to you? Which one do you relate to the most—the standout theme for me has been “God chooses the ordinary to display His glory”.  I’d love to hear from you, so leave a note or prayer request in the comments below.


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58 thoughts on “7 Prophetic Insights from the Jordan River”

  1. Kentsifetse Sekano

    You are true Prophet of God Almighty what you said it so prophetic to the situation I am in even though I’m at the lowest point God is bringing something new restoration is taking when we obey thank God Almighty For using you to open my Spiritual eyes n ears may Father God continues to anoint n use you mightily n that overflows to us stay blessed

    1. I am praying for you Kentsifetse Sekano, for you to enter into the visitation God has for you, may His life giving power touch every part of your life bringing freedom and grace

  2. Thank you Helen!
    This post is so timely for me. Just in the week, I felt the impression that the Lord would use me as a vessel for His healing power that would ‘flow from me like a river’. I feel so unworthy but realize that it is in our brokenness that Jesus is most glorified – His power is made perfect in our weakness.
    Many blessings to you woman of God.

  3. This word is for me this day!! As I’ve been called upon with an assignment in the ministry that I truly don’t feel adequate enough perform.

      1. Thank you for this confirmation. I even asked God today if I am hearing from Him or am I thinking my own thoughts because I feel like I’m at my lowest point but I still feel like God continues to tell me to trust him. I’ve been having many dreams that many of Gods prophets are actually preaching on so I know that God is speaking to me but in my waiting I’m growing weary.

        1. Natasha, I’m praying for you now.
          May you know His grace and joy and “rise with wings of an eagle”, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint (Isaiah 40)

  4. Fitsum H. Wolde Michael

    You are a true prophetess of God I saw the trumpet of God on your lips. Jordan means baptism and baptism is the sign of death. Death for the world, death for self, death for sin, … Our glory is in Jordan. Baptism is the opposite of shallowness. As it’s in Jordan let’s be baptised in the life and work of God by avoiding little things.

  5. Good day Helen, I do not know how to begin, your prophetic message speaks to all that is happening to me at this moment/season:-
    Everything is falling apart – I feel unworthy & unqualified to pursue & minister on my calling as a pastor. Challenges, one after the other seem not to end & I feel loosing strength to do what He has called me to do. Sometimes I even question if this will ever end.
    I am feeling stuck like the Dead sea.
    Thank you for your message which has come at the time I needed it.

    1. Hi Belinda, I’m praying for you that His light and life will flood you, His grace and mercy will be real to you. That the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit give you life according to Romans 8;11
      May hope and the stirrings of faith characterize this season

  6. I want to get back to when I too heard HIS VOICE. It has been many years and I don’t exactly know why He stopped speaking to me as he had back in the 70’s through the 90s and until 2010. Not only hearing Him as I did, but feeling HIS Presence and Knowing HIS guidance.
    I know that there was a time where I recognized that I wasn’t going to Him first with my concerns and decisions, but I have confessed my disobedience and my sin but nothing changes. I am getting old and I want to be a vessel for His Honor and Glory again. Please pray for me, Carol Marie. P.S. your emails are a blessing to me!

    1. Hi Carol Marie, I’m praying for you, God has tried and true ways,
      Also fresh and new ways to speak to you. And I pray you are stirred again, to hear and see.
      You are a vessel for His honor and glory, it’s what you are, not what you do.
      Thank you for blessing me

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