ARTICLES

By Stephen Faircloth

The land of Israel is marked by one of the most dramatic geographical features on earth—the Rift Valley. Carved by shifting tectonic plates, this great scar runs through the land as part of the Syro-African Rift, the longest fracture line on the planet. In Israel, this valley is best known as the Jordan River Valley, for the river that winds its way through its depths.

The Jordan begins south of Mount Hermon, where three streams join together to form its headwaters. From there, the river flows through the fertile Huleh Valley, pours into the Sea of Galilee, and then continues its southward journey. Over just sixty-five miles of descent, the Jordan drops more than 1,900 feet before emptying into the Dead Sea. Along the way, it twists and meanders nearly two hundred miles, shaping both the land and the biblical story.

The river plays a central role in Scripture. Israel crossed the Jordan at flood stage to enter the Promised Land, a moment of faith and fulfillment (Joshua 3-4). Elijah and Elisha crossed its waters on the prophet’s final day before being taken into heaven, and Elisha later parted the waters again with Elijah’s mantle (2 Kings 2).

Naaman the Syrian dipped seven times in the Jordan and was healed of his disease (2 Kings 5:14). Centuries later, John the Baptist carried out his ministry in the region of the Jordan, calling Israel to repentance and baptizing Jesus in its waters.

The Jordan often served as a boundary, marking transitions between wilderness and promise, between old life and new. For the Israelites, crossing the river meant leaving behind the wandering years and stepping into God’s inheritance. For Naaman, it was obedience in humility that led to cleansing. For Jesus, the waters marked the beginning of His public ministry and the Father’s declaration, “You are My beloved Son.”

Today, pilgrims still gather along the Jordan to remember and to renew. The river’s winding course reminds us that God often leads us on unexpected paths, yet always toward His purposes. The waters of the Jordan invite us to trust Him at the thresholds of our own lives.

The Jordan River serves as one of the central geographic boundaries and features that plays so prominently in so many biblical stories.

What “Jordan” lies before you today? Is God calling you to step into something new, to trust Him in transition, or to let Him cleanse what you cannot heal on your own?

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.