Joshua 3:7-10, 11, 13-17 / Matthew 18:21-19:1
There are two important moments in the biblical history of Israel.
One is the liberation from slavery in Egypt and the other is the entry into the Promised Land after 40 years of journeying in the desert.
These two important moments are marked with a very significant and miraculous phenomenon - a crossing over.
Liberated from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites faced the Red Sea but God parted it for them to cross over.
Before they could enter the Promised Land, the Israelites faced the river Jordan and again God parted it for them to cross over.
Indeed the crossing of the Red Sea and the crossing of the river Jordan is significant in that it showed that nothing was impossible for God in order to fulfill His plan for His people.
The crossing over also symbolizes a new life from the old, a freedom and liberation from slavery and bondage.
Jesus talked about forgiveness in the gospel. Forgiveness is like a crossing over - from slavery and bondage to freedom and liberation.
Yet forgiveness is not forced upon us. We have a choice to forgive and to be forgiven.
But it is not just another choice. It is an important choice because it will determine whether we want to remain in the slavery and bondage of sin or to cross over to liberation and freedom in God's love.