REMEMBERING GOD’S WORKS
Joshua 3:14–4:9
Joshua 3 opens with the children of Israel camped along the Jordan River. This will be the first test for the leadership of Joshua. God has promised to be with Joshua just as He had been with Moses. Joshua sent officers through the camp announcing the time had come to pursue the promise and cross the Jordan into Canaan. They would need to keep their focus on the Ark of the Covenant and keep their distance from it. They are also instructed to sanctify themselves. Sanctification is the process of being set apart or separated from the world.
God is in essence telling them, “Get ready and get right because tomorrow God is going to do something wonderful among you.”
Dry Ground (3:14–17)
As the Israelites camped for three days along the shore of the Jordan River, they gazed at an impassable river. Usually very narrow, the Jordan at flood stage expanded to a mile wide and was considered impossible to cross.
I believe they remembered how God helped them cross the Red Sea against all odds.
That same God who helped them then would help them now. However, every promise has a premise, and this miraculous deliverance would require faith. The Lord told Joshua to instruct the priests to carry the Ark and stand in the river. When they placed their feet in the water, God caused the waters to back up, and the people crossed on dry ground. It is good for us to remember that what God promises, He will perform.
Memorial Stones (4:1–7)
There were two miracles that took place that day: The Jordan River ceased flowing, and the people crossed on dry ground. God instructed one member from each tribe to pick up a stone from the middle of the riverbed and use it to build a memorial altar to God’s protection and deliverance. The Old Testament has a rich history of memorial stones.
Jacob placed a pillar at Bethel. It was the site of his dream that we identify as Jacob’s ladder. Jacob and Laban set up a stone to signify the covenant of their peace. The prophet Samuel set up a memorial stone to celebrate and remember the Jews’ victory over the Philistines. He called that stone “Ebenezer” and said, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” The memorial stones were placed for remembrance and witness of God’s help.
Lasting Reminders (8–9)
God had promised to validate Joshua’s leadership with this event. Joshua obeyed the Word of the Lord, and the people followed him. The memorial altar would be a lasting reminder of God’s deliverance. When families passed by the memorial stones in the future, it would provide the opportunity to share a faith story.
In our family, we celebrate the spiritual birthdays of our kids and grandkids. Every year on the anniversary of their baptism, we throw a party. They receive gifts and rehearse their testimony. They share their faith story and who was significant in leading them to Jesus Christ. When we baptize folks at our church, we give them a special coin as a memento of that special day.
Are there some “memorial stones” that identify God’s movement in your life journey?
I would encourage you to establish some standing stones to prompt the sharing of faith stories in your life.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
