This will be a sign among you
Joshua 4:1~14 “To serve as a sign among you. 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.” (6~7)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #251 Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord (#137 in previous version)
Why did God make the Israelites go through the wilderness for forty years when it could have only taken one or two weeks? What is the reason for making them cross the Red Sea and the Jordan? There are many things recorded in the Bible, but the answer is simple. It is because the Israelites needed faith. We cannot enter into Canaan with the nature of slavery or unbelief. Then, what kind of faith does God want from His people?
1. Covenant and faith
Through the work of parting the waters, God let the Israelites know how great the power of the covenant is and how God protects His people. This was the promise that showed us that He would be with us in all circumstances with even greater power. All we need to do is to believe in this Word. The faith of believing in God who gives us the covenant of Immanuel and blessing of the throne of heaven is the key to overcoming the world, field, problems, and conflicts.
2. Faith that overcomes the past and hope for the future
They experienced the power of the parting of the Jordan after 40 years since they crossed the Red Sea. With a new generation, they experienced the faith that transcends all happenings in the wilderness. We need faith that overcomes the scars we have received from Egypt and the wilderness, our past scars and problems. Also, the faith to find hope for the future inside God’s Word is important. These two things can be the strength and direction that saves our today.
3. What to relay to the future generation
God commanded them to raise a memorial with the twelve stones among the stones they stepped on as they crossed the Jordan to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. He did it to let the future generations remember and commemorate the event. This also means that God made the Israelites relay the power of God and steadfast faith to the future generation. Faith and doubt are relayed. In the midst of the life of today’s Word, prayer, and evangelism, you must relay the faith you have and the strength to save others to those around you and to the future generation.
- The life of the evangelist of finding and enjoying today’s Word will be a memorial to the next generation in your future. Make this day into a blessed day.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2011.1.16