Study 7: Joshua 4

In a study of Joshua 4, delivered on Easter Sunday (2024), a deep connection is drawn between the historical events of the Israelites crossing the Jordan and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This study emphasizes the importance of the memorial stones set up by the Israelites as a means to remember God’s acts of deliverance and faithfulness. These stones are discussed as metaphors for Christians today to remember and reflect on God’s enduring presence and help in their lives. By linking the story of Joshua to the broader narrative of God's salvation plan culminating in Christ's resurrection, the study encourages participants to maintain a living faith that actively remembers and celebrates God's work. The Body are invited to carry forward this memory into their daily actions and to teach future generations about the foundational truths of their faith.

Sermon Outline

Introduction: Setting the Scene (00:00 - 01:48)

- Welcome and brief introduction.

- Acknowledgment of Easter and setting expectations for the sermon.

I. Introduction to Joshua 4 (01:48 - 03:08)

- Transition from general Easter discussions to the specific biblical text of Joshua 4.

- Explanation of the church's tradition of walking through scriptures systematically.

II. The Significance of Memorial Stones (03:08 - 05:07)

- Introduction to the concept of memorial stones in Joshua 4.

- How these stones serve as a reminder of God's past interventions and guidance.

III. Detailed Analysis of Joshua 4: The Crossing (05:07 - 06:12)

- Recap of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River.

- Description of the miraculous events as the priests carried the Ark of the Covenant.

IV. The Role of Memory in Spiritual Life (06:12 - 08:19)

- Discussion on the spiritual significance of memory.

- Reflection on the human tendency to remember negative experiences over positive divine interventions.

V. Reading and Explanation of Joshua 4 Verses (08:19 - 10:50)

- Live reading of the initial verses of Joshua 4.

- Explanation of the instructions given to Joshua about selecting men and stones.

VI. Application of Scripture to Personal Faith (10:50 - 13:50)

- Emphasis on obedience and the sequential steps of faith in God's plan.

- Encouragement to trust in God's process, even when the next steps are unclear.

VII. The Spiritual Significance of the Stones (13:50 - 16:11)

- Discussion on how the physical act of setting stones relates to spiritual truths.

- The deeper meaning of being close to God's presence through acts of faith.

VIII. Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action (16:11 - 18:06)

- Summary of the sermon points.

- A call to the congregation to be like living stones, representing God's work in the world.

Conclusion and Prayer (18:06 - 19:49)

- Final reflections on the importance of remembering God's deeds.

- Closing prayer, focusing on commitment to living out the lessons of Joshua 4 in everyday life.

Scripture References

Joshua 4

• Description: The core scripture for the sermon, discussing the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan and the setting up of memorial stones to remember God's intervention.

1 Peter 2:5

• Description: Referenced to describe believers as living stones being built into a spiritual house, emphasizing the role of Christians as carriers of God's presence and witnesses to His works.

Luke 19

• Description: Mentioned in relation to Jesus entering Jerusalem and how even inanimate stones would cry out His praises if His followers were silenced.

2 Corinthians (implied, not directly quoted in sermon)

• Description: Used to discuss the spiritual warfare Christians are engaged in, contrasting the weapons of spiritual warfare with those of the world.

Mark 16

• Description: Brought up in the context of the resurrection story, likening the stone rolled away from the tomb to the memorial stones in Joshua.

Reflection Questions

1. Recalling God’s Acts:

• The sermon emphasizes the importance of memorial stones to remember God’s past deeds. Reflect on an event in your life where you felt God's intervention distinctly. How has this event become a 'memorial stone' in your faith journey?

1. Stepping into the Unknown:

• The sermon discusses the Israelites stepping into the Jordan before it stopped flowing. When have you had to take a step of faith into the unknown, trusting God without seeing the outcome? How did this experience affect your relationship with God?

1. Significance of Memorial Stones Today:

• In today's context, what could serve as modern-day 'memorial stones' for Christians? How can you create or acknowledge these in your community or personal life to keep the memory of God’s faithfulness alive?

1. Role of Leadership as Demonstrated by Joshua:

• Reflect on Joshua's role in crossing the Jordan. How does godly leadership in your own life (through pastors, mentors, or community leaders) influence your spiritual growth and trust in God’s plans?

1. Impact of Collective Memory:

• The sermon highlights the community aspect of remembering God's deeds through the memorial stones. How does sharing testimonies within your faith community enhance the collective faith and remembrance of God’s actions? How can you contribute to this collective memory?

Word Study

Gilgal (גִּלְגָּל)

• Description: Gilgal is mentioned as the place where the Israelites camp after crossing the Jordan. It holds significant theological and historical importance.

• Opportunity for Study: Investigating the meaning of Gilgal, which is often translated as "rolling," relating to the idea of God having "rolled away" the reproach of Egypt from Israel (Joshua 5:9). This study could explore the layers of meaning behind this term, how it is used in other biblical contexts, and its symbolic implications in the narrative of entering the Promised Land.

Ebenezer (אבן העזר)

• Description: While not directly mentioned in this specific passage, the concept of "stone of help," similar to the memorial stones in Joshua 4, is found in 1 Samuel 7:12, where Samuel sets up a stone and names it Ebenezer.

• Opportunity for Study: Comparing the use of stones as memorials in Joshua 4 and in 1 Samuel 7. This includes exploring the term Ebenezer in its original Hebrew, understanding its literal and metaphorical uses, and how these stones serve as tangible reminders of divine assistance and presence.
  

Zikkaron (זִכָּרוֹן):

• Description: Zikkaron means "memorial" or "remembrance." This concept is central to the purpose behind setting up the stones in Joshua 4.

• Opportunity for Study: A deeper look at how zikkaron is used throughout the Hebrew Bible to denote remembrance, both in terms of human memory and divine remembrance. This study could explore different instances where zikkaron appears, its significance in maintaining covenantal relationships, and its implications in ritual and community identity.
  

Exegesis Opportunities

1. The Role of Memorial Stones in Joshua 4

• Focus: Analyze the theological and symbolic significance of the memorial stones set up by the Israelites in Joshua 4.

• Research Question: How do memorial stones function as symbols of divine faithfulness and community identity in the Old Testament, and what implications do these symbols have for understanding God's covenant with Israel?
  

2. Crossing the Jordan: A Typology of Baptism?

• Focus: Explore the crossing of the Jordan River as a potential typological foreshadowing of Christian baptism, emphasizing purification and entry into a new life.

• Research Question: Can the event of the Israelites crossing the Jordan be seen as a prefigurement of Christian baptism, and if so, what elements of the narrative support this interpretation?
  

3. Leadership and Divine Assurance: The Exaltation of Joshua

• Focus: Examine the moment God exalts Joshua in the eyes of the Israelites, as a means to establish his leadership and God's endorsement.

• Research Question: What does the exaltation of Joshua reveal about the qualities of godly leadership required for leading God's people, and how does this event reinforce the theme of divine guidance and support?