The Jordan River had become, for the Israelites, a symbol of their freedom.

So it is for Christians of yesterday and today.

John the Baptizer

Like his ancestors, John the Baptist had spent a great deal of time living in the deserts and in the wilderness of the land. When the time was appropriate, he became the “voice of one crying in the wilderness,” telling the people to repent for the forgiveness of their sins and to prepare the way for the coming Messiah.

According to Smith’s Bible Dictionary, baptism signifies:

1. A confession of faith in Christ
2. A cleansing or washing of the soul from sin
3. A death to sin and a new life in righteousness

Just as the ancient Hebrews had stepped into the Jordan River for freedom, those who would come to follow Christ were dipped into its murky depths. When they stepped back onto the banks they were a new creation. And just as today when one is baptized (whether in the Jordan River or in a baptistery or a backyard swimming pool) what joy—with song and dance, perhaps?—must fill the hearts of the people!

Could John have used any other body of water in Israel for his purpose? For God’s? I think not.

The River is Here

Whenever I hear the lyrics to The River is Here I am reminded of the photo I took in Dan and of the morning I watched pilgrims, clothed in white gowns, at the Jordan River, being baptized within the same body of water as those in first-century Israel - including Jesus - had.

I think about the mountain mentioned within the lyrics.

Down the mountain... the song begins, and I think of the mighty and majestic Hermon. I ponder how the snow falls and how it is captured, how God designed its pores to draw the snow deep within and how when the snow melts it flows into the streams and the streams into the rivers and the rivers into the Jordan…

…where freedom comes by stepping in.