Remembering fuels the future
In our journey through the book of Joshua, we found ourselves at a pivotal moment in chapter 4 this past Sunday, when the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. As Norm Pond pointed out, this event is not just a historical milestone but a profound spiritual lesson on faith, remembrance and God’s faithfulness.
As the Israelites faced the daunting task of crossing a river at flood stage, they were reminded of God’s miraculous power, reminiscent of the Red Sea crossing. This crossing was not merely a physical transition but a spiritual one, symbolizing the movement from fear to faith, from the past into God’s promises.
God instructed Joshua to have 12 stones taken from the Jordan’s midst as a memorial. These stones served as a tangible reminder of God’s deliverance and faithfulness, meant to provoke questions from future generations about their significance. This act of remembrance is crucial, not for nostalgia, but to reinforce faith and reliance on God in future challenges. Just as the Israelites needed to remember God’s past deliverance to face upcoming battles, we too must recall God’s faithfulness in our lives to navigate our own trials.
The story of the Israelites is a testament to the necessity of moving forward in faith, even when the path seems insurmountable. It challenges us to examine our own lives and identify the “rivers” we are hesitant to cross. Are we settling for “good enough,” or are we trusting God to lead us into His promises? The stones from the Jordan remind us that God is with us in the midst of our trials, not just after we’ve overcome them.
In our own lives, Norm encouraged us to set up memorials of God’s faithfulness, to share our stories of His work in our lives, and to inspire others. These stories are not just for us but for those around us who may be facing similar challenges. By sharing how God has worked in our lives, we can encourage others to trust Him in their own journeys.
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on a time when you faced a “Jordan River” in your life. How did you see God’s hand at work during that time?
- What are some practical ways you can set up “memorials” in your life to remember God’s faithfulness?
- Are there any barriers or “rivers” in your life that you feel hesitant to cross? What steps can you take to move forward in faith?
- What specific action can you take this week to trust God more fully in an area where you have been settling for “good enough”?
- Identify someone in your life who might benefit from hearing about how God has worked in your life. How can you share your story with them this week?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from February 9
- “I Thank God”
- “God You’re So Good”
- “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
- “Goodness of God” (after the message)