Introduction

The story of Israel crossing the Jordan River is not just a historical event but a powerful lesson about God’s faithfulness, power, and the importance of remembering His works. As we study Joshua 4, we reflect on what to do when we “cross Jordan”—when we face life’s challenges and witness God’s miraculous deliverance.

1. Reminder to Remember (Joshua 4:3)

• God commanded twelve stones to be taken from the Jordan River and carried to the camp.
• Purpose: These stones served as a tangible reminder of God’s miraculous provision.
• Application:
• Never forget what God has done for you.
• Establish spiritual “markers” in your life—events or practices that help you recall His faithfulness (e.g., journaling, testimonies, or celebrations).

2. Signs to See (Joshua 4:6)

• The stones were meant to spark curiosity and questions, especially from future generations: “What do these stones mean?”
• Purpose: To provide visible signs of God’s power and faithfulness.
• Application:
• Live in such a way that your life becomes a testimony of God’s goodness.
• Let your actions and faithfulness prompt others to ask questions about your hope and trust in God.

3. Memorial Forever (Joshua 4:7)

• The memorial stones were to remind Israel of God’s deliverance even when they faced future challenges.
• Key Insight: The God who brought them through the Jordan would bring them through the next trial.
• Application:
• Hold on to God’s past faithfulness to fuel your faith for future challenges.
• Build your trust in God as the unchanging One who will deliver you again.

4. Set Up in Jordan and Gilgal (Joshua 4:9,20)

• Two sets of stones were set up:
• In Jordan: A hidden testimony of God’s power beneath the waters.
• In Gilgal: A visible memorial where they camped.
• Lesson: God’s work is both seen and unseen—He operates visibly in miracles and invisibly in our hearts and circumstances.
• Application:
• Trust God’s unseen work even when His hand is not immediately visible.
• Celebrate the visible evidence of His faithfulness in your life.

5. Testimony to Tell (Joshua 4:22-23)

• The stones served as a means for Israel to tell the next generation about God’s miraculous work: “The Lord your God dried up the Jordan… as He did to the Red Sea.”
• Purpose: To pass down faith and trust in God’s power.
• Application:
• Share your testimonies with others, especially younger generations.
• Your story can inspire faith and trust in those who come after you.

6. Spotlight of God (Joshua 4:24)

• The ultimate purpose of the memorial was to bring glory to God: “That all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord is mighty.”
• Lesson: God’s power is not just for personal deliverance but to reveal His greatness to the world.
• Application:
• Point others to God through your victories.
• Recognize and declare that God is the source of your strength and success.

7. Fear and Obey (Joshua 4:24)

• God’s mighty acts were intended to instill awe and reverence: “That you may fear the Lord your God forever.”
• Fear: A deep respect and reverence for God.
• Obedience: A life aligned with His will as an act of worship.
• Application:
• Live in awe of God’s power and faithfulness.
• Let your reverence for God lead you to trust and obey Him wholeheartedly.

Conclusion

The stones from the Jordan remind us to:

1. Remember God’s past faithfulness.
2. See the signs of His power.
3. Trust Him for the future.
4. Testify to His goodness.
5. Glorify Him in all things.
6. Fear and Obey Him as the Almighty.

Challenge: Set up “stones” in your life—tangible and intangible reminders of God’s work—and let your testimony shine for the world to see His greatness. When someone asks, “What do these stones mean?” may your life and words declare the power and faithfulness of God!