Series LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 3.Memorials of Grace
Recognizing – Remembering – and Passing On God’s Guidance
God does great things—but we humans tend to forget them quickly. Lesson 3 invites us to reflect on “monuments of grace” that make God’s work visible and memorable. The story of crossing the Jordan shows how God leads in wondrous ways—but also how important it is to prepare spiritually and to trust Him. Memorials such as the twelve stones were not meant to be merely historical reminders but inspirations for our faith today. Those who remember God’s deeds will find courage and confidence in new challenges. Every generation is called to keep faith alive—not as tradition, but as a personal experience with the living God.
Content:
3.1 Crossing the Jordan
God Goes Before You – Prepare Yourselves
The crossing of the Jordan was not a military maneuver but a spiritual event. God commanded the people of Israel to consecrate themselves, because the crossing was not to happen by human strength but under His direction. The Ark of the Covenant—symbolizing God’s presence—went ahead to show that only with God leading could the promised land be taken. As at Mount Sinai, spiritual preparation was necessary, for God desired not just outward obedience but purified hearts. The dry passage through the river was a proof of His power and faithfulness. Even today, spiritual breakthroughs often come only when we intentionally prepare ourselves, allow God to cleanse us, and learn to trust His timing.
3.2 The Living God of Wonders
The Living God Acts in Visible Ways
The miraculous crossing of the Jordan reveals God’s power, presence, and faithfulness. He is not a distant observer but a living God who intervenes on behalf of His people. Through this miracle, He shows that nothing is too difficult for Him—neither then nor now. His actions are not only helpful but holy and awe-inspiring, so that His name may be honored. This miracle strengthened Israel’s faith for the challenges ahead. We, too, may expect God to act in our lives—in His own way and at the right time.
3.3 Remember
Remember in Order to Believe
God commanded Israel to build a memorial of stones so that His mighty deeds would not be forgotten. These stones were to serve as a visible sign, reminding future generations of the miracle at the Jordan. Remembering meant more than looking back—it was meant to inspire trust and obedience. Everyone should be able to answer personally the question, “What do these stones mean to you?” Living faith does not come through tradition alone, but through personal experience of God’s work. Such spiritual “monuments” help us today not to forget God’s faithfulness.
3.4 Forgetfulness
Preserving God’s Deeds – Avoiding Spiritual Amnesia
God knows how easily humans forget—therefore He repeatedly calls His people to remember. The crossing of the Jordan was not just a one-time miracle, but a testimony for generations to come. Forgetfulness is more than carelessness—it can lead to the loss of identity, calling, and trust. Remembering God’s deeds strengthens our faith for the present and our hope for the future. Rituals, memorials, and sharing our experiences with others keep faith alive. Those who remember why and where they are going are less likely to lose their way.
3.5 Beyond the Jordan
A Passage into the Promise
The crossing of the Jordan symbolizes a profound new beginning with God. Just as the Red Sea marked deliverance from Egypt, the Jordan marks the transition from dependence to freedom, from uncertainty to purpose. For Israel, it meant stepping into the promised land—a sign of God’s faithfulness and guidance. Jesus, too, began His ministry with a crossing of the Jordan: His baptism was a visible sign of His divine mission. The Jordan reminds us that true spiritual life begins when we fully entrust ourselves to God. Every faith journey requires this step from the old into the new—by God’s power, not our own.
3.6 Summary
Monuments of Grace – Memory Builds Trust
Lesson 3 emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s mighty acts. The crossing of the Jordan became a spiritual turning point for Israel—marked by preparation, consecration, and the miracle of divine guidance. The Ark of the Covenant went before them as a sign that God Himself leads His people. The memorial stones were to remind later generations of God’s faithfulness and inspire them to believe. The danger of spiritual forgetfulness is highlighted—without conscious remembrance, faith loses its strength. The Jordan stands as a symbol of the passage into the promised life God has prepared for all who trust Him.
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