After 40 years in the wilderness, Israel finally prepares to enter the Promised Land. Joshua 3 gives us the miraculous parting of the Jordan River at flood stage, echoing the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14). God commands the priests carrying the ark to step into the water first—signifying that His presence leads the people. Joshua 4 continues the narrative with God’s command to set up twelve memorial stones, one from each tribe, as a permanent reminder of what God had done.
- (Vv. 1-5) God is Faithful to His Purpose and Promises
- God leads with purpose, not accident or chance. He commands that stones be carried from the Jordan riverbed, the place of the miracle, by one man from each tribe.
Application: God’s faithfulness includes the fulfillment of all His promises personally, communally and purposefully.
- (Vv. 6-9) God is Faithful to Give us Reminders
- The stones are a physical reminder to intentionally and generationally teach each generation about the faithfulness and mighty hand of God.
Application: Remember what God has done, and the great lengths he has taken to redeem His chosen people. God is faithful to make a way and provide for His people.
- (Vv. 10-14) God is Faithful to Give us Leadership
- God gives servants and leaders who are committed to carry out the commands of the Lord. Notice how the priests stand in place “until everything was finished”. Faithful endurance is a part of obedient leadership. (Her 13:7)
Application: God sees and honors quiet obedience that is rooted in God’s purposes. This charge is not carried out alone. He empowers His people through His Word by His Spirit alongside one another.
- (Vv. 15-24) God is Faithful to Give us a Mission
- The priests exit the Jordan and the waters return, confirming this was an act of God and His control. Verse 24 gives us the purpose of the crossing and the stones “So that all the people of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”
Application: Just as Isaiah 12 tells us “Make known his deeds among the peoples” – see that Jesus is the greatest memorial stone – the chief cornerstone (Eph 2:19-22). 1 Peter also reminds us that you are a “living stone” – and your testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life will build others up.
Our Charge: We are to build memorials of grace in our homes, lives, and church. May we teach the next generation what God has done and proclaim to the world that God is mighty to save. Salvation has been made possible through His son Jesus Christ.