Remembering God's Faithfulness Through Spiritual Symbols and Stories
Summary
Today, we gather to reflect on the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and the spiritual symbols that remind us of His mighty works. As we celebrate Memorial Day, we are reminded of the significance of commemorating those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, we must create memorials that help us remember the pivotal moments when God has shown up in our lives.
We begin by looking at the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. Joshua, now the leader after Moses' death, is guiding a new generation into the Promised Land. This generation had not witnessed the miracles of the Red Sea but was about to experience God's power firsthand. As they approached the Jordan River, which was overflowing its banks, God instructed Joshua to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant into the water. As soon as their feet touched the water, the river stopped flowing, and the Israelites crossed on dry ground. This miraculous event was to be remembered forever, and God commanded Joshua to have twelve stones taken from the riverbed and set up as a memorial.
These stones served as a physical reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. In Joshua 4:6-7, it is written, "In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." This act of remembrance was not just for the Israelites but for future generations to know and trust in God's power.
We need spiritual symbols in our lives to remind us of God's faithfulness. These symbols can be anything that helps us remember the times when God has shown up and made a way where there seemed to be no way. It could be a journal, a piece of scripture, or even a physical object that holds significant meaning. These symbols serve as a testimony to God's provision and power, reminding us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
In addition to spiritual symbols, we need sustained stories that we can pass down from generation to generation. These stories of God's faithfulness and miracles in our lives are powerful testimonies that can encourage and strengthen the faith of others. Just as the Israelites were to tell their children about the crossing of the Jordan, we too must share our stories of God's goodness. These stories remind us and others that God is still in the business of performing miracles and that He is always with us, even in the most challenging times.
As we reflect on the importance of remembering, we are reminded that God has delivered us from a life of sin to a life of salvation. Just as the Israelites were delivered from the wilderness to the Promised Land, we have been delivered from eternal separation from God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate act of God's love and power, and it is something we must never forget.
In conclusion, let us be intentional about creating memorials in our lives that remind us of God's faithfulness. Let us share our stories of His goodness and pass them down to future generations. And let us always remember that no matter what obstacles we face, God is with us, and He is more than able to deliver us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Symbols as Reminders: Spiritual symbols serve as tangible reminders of God's faithfulness and deliverance. Just as the Israelites set up stones to remember crossing the Jordan River, we too need symbols in our lives that remind us of God's mighty works. These symbols help us to recall and celebrate God's provision and power in our lives. [10:53]
2. Sustained Stories of Faith: Sharing stories of God's faithfulness is crucial for building and sustaining faith within our communities. These stories, passed down from generation to generation, serve as powerful testimonies that encourage and strengthen others. They remind us that God is still in the business of performing miracles and that He is always with us, even in the most challenging times. [19:54]
3. God's Deliverance from Sin: Just as the Israelites were delivered from the wilderness to the Promised Land, we have been delivered from a life of sin to a life of salvation through Jesus Christ. This ultimate act of God's love and power is something we must never forget. It is a reminder that God has made a way for us to be in a relationship with Him and to experience eternal life. [29:35]
4. Faith in the Face of Obstacles: Faith is not about knowing how God will do something but believing that He can do it, no matter how impossible it seems. The story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River teaches us that when we step out in faith, God will make a way. We must trust in His power and provision, even when we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. [35:11]
5. Community and Support: Being part of a community of believers is essential for spiritual growth and support. Just as the Israelites had leaders and priests to guide them, we too need spiritual leaders and a community to help us navigate our faith journey. This community provides encouragement, accountability, and support as we strive to follow God's path for our lives. [39:40]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:48] - Memorial Day Significance
[05:40] - Joshua's Leadership and the Jordan River
[10:53] - Spiritual Symbols as Reminders
[19:54] - Sustained Stories of Faith
[29:35] - God's Deliverance from Sin
[35:11] - Faith in the Face of Obstacles
[39:40] - Community and Support
[43:23] - Closing Prayer and Blessings
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 4:6-7: "In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
2. Joshua 3:3-8: "When you see the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it. Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.' Joshua said to the priests, 'Take up the Ark of the Covenant and pass on ahead of the people.' So they took it up and went ahead of them. And the Lord said to Joshua, 'Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant: "When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river."'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Joshua regarding the crossing of the Jordan River? (Joshua 3:3-8)
2. What was the purpose of the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River, and what were they meant to signify? (Joshua 4:6-7)
3. How did the Israelites respond to the overflowing Jordan River, and what was the result when the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the water? (Joshua 3:15-16)
4. According to the sermon, what are some modern-day spiritual symbols that can remind us of God's faithfulness? [10:53]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to perform a miracle at the Jordan River for the new generation of Israelites, and how does this relate to the concept of faith in the face of obstacles? [35:11]
2. How do the twelve stones from the Jordan River serve as a testimony for future generations, and what does this teach us about the importance of sharing our faith stories? [19:54]
3. In what ways does the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River illustrate God's deliverance from sin to salvation through Jesus Christ? [29:35]
4. How can being part of a community of believers help us remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our lives? [39:40]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when God showed up in your life in a significant way. What spiritual symbol could you create to remember this moment, and how might it help you in future challenges? [10:53]
2. Think about a story of God's faithfulness in your life. How can you share this story with others to encourage and strengthen their faith? [19:54]
3. In what ways can you be more intentional about creating memorials in your life that remind you of God's faithfulness? What specific steps will you take this week to start this practice? [10:53]
4. Identify an obstacle you are currently facing. How can the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River inspire you to trust in God's power and provision? [35:11]
5. How can you contribute to building and sustaining a community of believers that supports and encourages each other in their faith journey? What role can you play in your small group or church community? [39:40]
6. Reflect on the ultimate act of God's love and power through Jesus Christ. How can you keep this at the forefront of your mind, especially during difficult times? [29:35]
7. Consider the importance of spiritual leaders in guiding us on our faith journey. How can you support and pray for the leaders in your church? [14:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Symbols as Reminders
Description: Spiritual symbols serve as tangible reminders of God's faithfulness and deliverance. Just as the Israelites set up stones to remember crossing the Jordan River, we too need symbols in our lives that remind us of God's mighty works. These symbols help us to recall and celebrate God's provision and power in our lives. They can be anything from a journal entry, a piece of scripture, or a physical object that holds significant meaning. These symbols serve as a testimony to God's provision and power, reminding us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [10:53]
Joshua 4:6-7 (ESV): "In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
Reflection: What is one physical object or symbol in your life that reminds you of God's faithfulness? How can you use it to strengthen your faith today?
Day 2: Sustained Stories of Faith
Description: Sharing stories of God's faithfulness is crucial for building and sustaining faith within our communities. These stories, passed down from generation to generation, serve as powerful testimonies that encourage and strengthen others. They remind us that God is still in the business of performing miracles and that He is always with us, even in the most challenging times. Just as the Israelites were to tell their children about the crossing of the Jordan, we too must share our stories of God's goodness. These stories can be shared in family gatherings, small groups, or even through social media to inspire and uplift others. [19:54]
Psalm 78:4 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."
Reflection: Think of a recent experience where you witnessed God's faithfulness. How can you share this story with someone in your community today?
Day 3: God's Deliverance from Sin
Description: Just as the Israelites were delivered from the wilderness to the Promised Land, we have been delivered from a life of sin to a life of salvation through Jesus Christ. This ultimate act of God's love and power is something we must never forget. It is a reminder that God has made a way for us to be in a relationship with Him and to experience eternal life. Reflecting on this deliverance helps us to live in gratitude and to share the message of salvation with others. It is a powerful testimony of God's grace and mercy that can transform lives. [29:35]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: How does remembering your deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ impact your daily life? What steps can you take to share this message of salvation with someone today?
Day 4: Faith in the Face of Obstacles
Description: Faith is not about knowing how God will do something but believing that He can do it, no matter how impossible it seems. The story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River teaches us that when we step out in faith, God will make a way. We must trust in His power and provision, even when we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This kind of faith requires us to let go of our need for control and to trust that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. [35:11]
Hebrews 11:29 (ESV): "By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned."
Reflection: What is one obstacle you are currently facing that seems insurmountable? How can you step out in faith and trust God to make a way?
Day 5: Community and Support
Description: Being part of a community of believers is essential for spiritual growth and support. Just as the Israelites had leaders and priests to guide them, we too need spiritual leaders and a community to help us navigate our faith journey. This community provides encouragement, accountability, and support as we strive to follow God's path for our lives. Engaging with a community of believers helps us to grow in our faith, share our burdens, and celebrate our victories together. [39:40]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your community of believers this week? What steps can you take to offer support and encouragement to someone in your faith community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Maybe you find yourself in a difficult place today. Maybe the devil has created some Jordan rivers, overflowing Jordan rivers in your life and you don't think that God can get you to the other side. But I'm here to let you know that he's the same God. Oh my God, he's the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. And just as he delivered before, just as he's opened up waters before, just as he's healed before, he's more than able." [35:11]
2. "One day I took a step toward him and my life changed forever. I even began to realize that even when I wasn't walking with him, if you haven't begun that personal relationship with Jesus, today is a good day for you to take that step toward building, a spiritual memorial that's based on your relationship. If you have any doubts, I want you to strengthen that relationship with Jesus to make that decision." [36:06]
3. "We need these sustained stories. Because when folk keep saying, why you keep going to church? Every Sunday. Why you keep reading your Bible? Why you keep giving to the church? Because God has been so good to me. And I can't even pay him a bet. I can't shout enough. I can't pray enough to pay him back for all he has done." [26:28]
4. "God has allowed us to cross over spiritually from sin into salvation. Amen. From eternal death to eternal life. We need these symbols. These symbols of salvation to remind us of what God has delivered us from. In other words, we were on our way from eternal separation from God, but Jesus died on the cross to make sure that you and I didn't miss out on the opportunity for God to get us to the other side." [29:35]
5. "Faith is not knowing how God is going to do it. Faith is believing that he can do it no matter how hard it looks to you and me. We serve a big God that's able to do big things. He can open up the Red Sea. He can open up the Jordan River. He can tear down Jericho's walls. He can quiet Psalms. We serve that kind of God." [19:54]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And notice they piled them up in two places. When they got to the other side, they got one person from each tribe piled these stones then they went back into the water and put 12 stones there as another memorial. In other words, he said, look, I don't want you to have no doubt about what happened. Amen. Don't doubt. Amen. When you look over here, you're reminded. When you look back here, you're reminded. In other words, you ain't going back. You need to remember." [38:08]
2. "We need to be able to tell that story over and over again. But we don't need to tell the 1973 story. We don't need to tell the 1988 story. We don't need to tell just the 2001 story. We need to be able to tell some 2024 stories we need to be able to say yesterday I woke up with the Lord on my mind and I didn't know how I was going to do it. But all I know is that God showed up and he worked everything out." [23:36]
3. "In verse six, it says, in the future, when your children ask you, what did these, in other words, that should be no doubt over and over again, that everybody in your house understands that God has been on your side. Amen. Amen. The word for stones is symbolically to represent significant event. In other words, we utilize these spiritual symbols to convey spiritual truth about how God has been faithful." [10:53]
4. "In Joshua 3, verses 3 through 8. We have a word on Joshua, we hear these words, he said give these instructions to the people. When you see the Levitical priest carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord of God, follow this. In other words, when the people of God, the leaders of God, when your pastor, your priest get ready to go forth with the Word, you need to be willing to follow." [14:58]
5. "Thank you for making sure that you have some priests and some pastors willing to stand in the gap. Making sure that all the people that you entrust into that care can get to the other side. Oh my God. That you pray for them. You allow them to pray for them daily. Cover them in prayer. Cover them in love. Preach and teach and model what it looks like so that people can get to the other side. Just like Jesus did. What he needed to do. Make sure that all of us could get to the other side." [31:35]
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