How To Remember The Past.
Memory Verse:
'Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, '
2 Corinthians 6:17
Sermon Sentence: The story of your salvation is worth understanding and remembering for you and all generations after you.
'Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, '
2 Corinthians 6:17
Sermon Sentence: The story of your salvation is worth understanding and remembering for you and all generations after you.
Day 1
(Today's devotion written by Jenna Altom)
Read Joshua 3:14-4:7
This story comes soon after the death of Moses and Joshua has just been commissioned as the new leader of Israel as they are on their way to the Promised Land. Moses has left some big shoes for Joshua to fill! In the verses directly before today’s passage, God told Joshua that He will use the parting of the Jordan River to prove to the people that God was with Joshua just as He was with Moses when He parted the Red Sea.
In Exodus 14, we see Israel at the Red Sea at the beginning of their journey, with Moses as their leader. On the banks of the Red Sea, we see the Israelites panicking, Egypt pursuing them, Moses questioning God, the people angry at Moses. It’s all very chaotic. After hundreds of years suffering in Egypt, the people were getting reacquainted with God. They were learning to trust Him and were amazed by His power, miracle after miracle. It’s interesting to see the difference in the Israelites’ reaction when they come to the Jordan River. Now they have witnessed God’s provisions and miracles for decades. We don’t see chaos at the Jordan River. God tells them what to do and they just trust Him and do what He says. The Jordan River crossing marks a new phase for the Israelites. Their wilderness wandering was finally over after 40 long years and it was finally time to actually move toward the Promised Land with a new leader, Joshua. Establishing Joshua as the new leader was important as Israel’s next move would bring them to the seemingly impenetrable wall of Jericho. Then, once they get through Jericho, there are even more enemies to defeat. The stones gathered from the Jordan in Joshua 4 were later used to build an altar that was used to teach generations of Israelites how God brought them through the water yet again.
Joshua 4:6 says that God wanted them to use the stones to build an altar so that, generations later, when their children asked, “What do those stone mean to you,” the Israelites could tell them about the day God cut the waters off and allowed them to cross the Jordan into the land that He had set aside for them. They could tell them how they were slaves with nothing in Egypt and how He brought them through the waters to a land of plenty. They could tell how they were slaves treated like animals and God brought them through the waters into freedom and a life of abundance. This is why sharing our testimony is so important. You could share your story with me and I could try to retell it, but I could never tell it with the emotion you feel of the time He brought you through the waters. I wonder if any of the Israelites could answer the question about what that altar meant to them without tears in their eyes and their throats tight with emotion. I would imagine the story took them right back to walking in the middle of the dry riverbed as they made their way to freedom.
What is a practical way you can remember the “waters’ God has brought you through? What would your celebration or memorial look like?
What parts of your story could you share with your children or grandchildren to mark the moments God has worked in your life and has brought you through the waters to a new beginning?
Read Joshua 3:14-4:7
This story comes soon after the death of Moses and Joshua has just been commissioned as the new leader of Israel as they are on their way to the Promised Land. Moses has left some big shoes for Joshua to fill! In the verses directly before today’s passage, God told Joshua that He will use the parting of the Jordan River to prove to the people that God was with Joshua just as He was with Moses when He parted the Red Sea.
In Exodus 14, we see Israel at the Red Sea at the beginning of their journey, with Moses as their leader. On the banks of the Red Sea, we see the Israelites panicking, Egypt pursuing them, Moses questioning God, the people angry at Moses. It’s all very chaotic. After hundreds of years suffering in Egypt, the people were getting reacquainted with God. They were learning to trust Him and were amazed by His power, miracle after miracle. It’s interesting to see the difference in the Israelites’ reaction when they come to the Jordan River. Now they have witnessed God’s provisions and miracles for decades. We don’t see chaos at the Jordan River. God tells them what to do and they just trust Him and do what He says. The Jordan River crossing marks a new phase for the Israelites. Their wilderness wandering was finally over after 40 long years and it was finally time to actually move toward the Promised Land with a new leader, Joshua. Establishing Joshua as the new leader was important as Israel’s next move would bring them to the seemingly impenetrable wall of Jericho. Then, once they get through Jericho, there are even more enemies to defeat. The stones gathered from the Jordan in Joshua 4 were later used to build an altar that was used to teach generations of Israelites how God brought them through the water yet again.
Joshua 4:6 says that God wanted them to use the stones to build an altar so that, generations later, when their children asked, “What do those stone mean to you,” the Israelites could tell them about the day God cut the waters off and allowed them to cross the Jordan into the land that He had set aside for them. They could tell them how they were slaves with nothing in Egypt and how He brought them through the waters to a land of plenty. They could tell how they were slaves treated like animals and God brought them through the waters into freedom and a life of abundance. This is why sharing our testimony is so important. You could share your story with me and I could try to retell it, but I could never tell it with the emotion you feel of the time He brought you through the waters. I wonder if any of the Israelites could answer the question about what that altar meant to them without tears in their eyes and their throats tight with emotion. I would imagine the story took them right back to walking in the middle of the dry riverbed as they made their way to freedom.
What is a practical way you can remember the “waters’ God has brought you through? What would your celebration or memorial look like?
What parts of your story could you share with your children or grandchildren to mark the moments God has worked in your life and has brought you through the waters to a new beginning?
Day 2
Read 2 Kings 2:1-14
Why have the stories of Elijah and Elisha not been picked up for movies and recreations for a show or something? They have got to be some of the most bizarre and exciting stories in the Bible! This one intersects with our study because it happens at the same place our story in Joshua happens. Other than that, it may get difficult to draw the connection lines, but they are there. Elijah is one of two people that do not experience death in the Bible, but rather get “taken” by the Lord. (Enoch is the other one) So you have to understand why these connections are important. Elijah crossed the Jordan River, and was taken to be with the Lord. He received the “promised land” of his faith on the other side of the Jordan River.
For us, the connection is easily made now to see that the picture of salvation that embarks us on a mission and gives us a calling, that is solidified with the presence and work of God, and is meant for saving us from our sins, also guarantees us a place in what we call Heaven, of to be with our Heavenly Father for all eternity, thus defeating death. The layers of images in this story are so meaningful and incredible when we put it all together!
Are there other images and ideas you can draw out of this story that God is trying to show us?
Why do you think the story tells this with the images of a fiery chariot and horses?
How does this story comfort and help you today as you connect the dots in the Bible?
How does this become part of your prayer today?
Why have the stories of Elijah and Elisha not been picked up for movies and recreations for a show or something? They have got to be some of the most bizarre and exciting stories in the Bible! This one intersects with our study because it happens at the same place our story in Joshua happens. Other than that, it may get difficult to draw the connection lines, but they are there. Elijah is one of two people that do not experience death in the Bible, but rather get “taken” by the Lord. (Enoch is the other one) So you have to understand why these connections are important. Elijah crossed the Jordan River, and was taken to be with the Lord. He received the “promised land” of his faith on the other side of the Jordan River.
For us, the connection is easily made now to see that the picture of salvation that embarks us on a mission and gives us a calling, that is solidified with the presence and work of God, and is meant for saving us from our sins, also guarantees us a place in what we call Heaven, of to be with our Heavenly Father for all eternity, thus defeating death. The layers of images in this story are so meaningful and incredible when we put it all together!
Are there other images and ideas you can draw out of this story that God is trying to show us?
Why do you think the story tells this with the images of a fiery chariot and horses?
How does this story comfort and help you today as you connect the dots in the Bible?
How does this become part of your prayer today?
Day 3
Read John 1:19-34
Our three stories that happen in Joshua’s Jordan sea crossing make a great launchpad for studying and understanding what the Bible is trying to teach us. A salvation and rebirth through water is a story told many, many times in the Bible. And here, the ultimate stamp of attention is given to the act of baptism when Jesus acts it out. The fact that this happens in this very spot of the Jordan River is a greatly significant idea. The Israelite people walked over into the promised land, shedding the shame of Egypt from their history and moving towards the glory of the gift from God, through the Jordan River, only to finally be known as a “nation” after that. Jesus walks the same symbolic path as he goes down into the river and is baptized by John the Baptist preaching the message of the need for repentance and being saved. Jesus didn’t need those things, but he did take a big highlighter to John’s most important message by bringing all of these ideas together, right at the beginning and launching point of His ministry.
I can not think of a better way for us to be launched into our new life, our next beginning, our salvation from sins and salvation to the promises of God, sent out on the call of the Great Commission, than for us to follow His example by being baptized. It is a sign, for sure, but one that carries a great and heavy weight that needs to be paid attention to.
Do you recall the day of your baptism and the events around it? (If you need to be baptized, why not talk to Pastor Nate today?)
All three stories are about a new leadership or new mission (Moses to Joshua, Elijah to Elisha, and John the Baptist to Jesus) signifying the idea of a launch onto mission when we follow in obedience. How has your story been like that after or around your baptism?
Our three stories that happen in Joshua’s Jordan sea crossing make a great launchpad for studying and understanding what the Bible is trying to teach us. A salvation and rebirth through water is a story told many, many times in the Bible. And here, the ultimate stamp of attention is given to the act of baptism when Jesus acts it out. The fact that this happens in this very spot of the Jordan River is a greatly significant idea. The Israelite people walked over into the promised land, shedding the shame of Egypt from their history and moving towards the glory of the gift from God, through the Jordan River, only to finally be known as a “nation” after that. Jesus walks the same symbolic path as he goes down into the river and is baptized by John the Baptist preaching the message of the need for repentance and being saved. Jesus didn’t need those things, but he did take a big highlighter to John’s most important message by bringing all of these ideas together, right at the beginning and launching point of His ministry.
I can not think of a better way for us to be launched into our new life, our next beginning, our salvation from sins and salvation to the promises of God, sent out on the call of the Great Commission, than for us to follow His example by being baptized. It is a sign, for sure, but one that carries a great and heavy weight that needs to be paid attention to.
Do you recall the day of your baptism and the events around it? (If you need to be baptized, why not talk to Pastor Nate today?)
All three stories are about a new leadership or new mission (Moses to Joshua, Elijah to Elisha, and John the Baptist to Jesus) signifying the idea of a launch onto mission when we follow in obedience. How has your story been like that after or around your baptism?
Day 4
Read John 10:1-21
I am a part of a discipleship group that has been studying the book of John the last two months. Although I have read it many times, I am finding quite a lot studying it with this group. This chapter is one of my new, current favorites. I get that I say that alot, but just let me have it. In our Jordan River story, the ark of the covenant is symbolic of God’s presence as it goes before them toward the river, stops at the bank of the river as they cross over, but then goes with them over the river as well. In my mind, it has connected to the visual picture of someone opening the door for someone, stepping out of the way and holding the door and then following the person through the door. That is something that we equate with courteous actions toward others that are meant to mean something.
Why do I bring that up here? That is the picture of Jesus in His many ways of explaining who He is to His sheep. He goes before them and calls them to Himself. He is the door by which they go in and out. And He goes with them and protects and keeps them. What an incredibly comforting thought to start a day (or end it, depending on when you are doing this devotion!).
What do you think Jesus means by saying that everyone that has come in by another way is not the shepherd? How have you seen this?
Jesus makes it clear that His sheep hear His voice. What do you think that means and how does this speak to your life today?
Verse 5 gives an interesting perspective. What do you think the real world application is to this verse and how have you seen this?
How does this become part of your prayer?
I am a part of a discipleship group that has been studying the book of John the last two months. Although I have read it many times, I am finding quite a lot studying it with this group. This chapter is one of my new, current favorites. I get that I say that alot, but just let me have it. In our Jordan River story, the ark of the covenant is symbolic of God’s presence as it goes before them toward the river, stops at the bank of the river as they cross over, but then goes with them over the river as well. In my mind, it has connected to the visual picture of someone opening the door for someone, stepping out of the way and holding the door and then following the person through the door. That is something that we equate with courteous actions toward others that are meant to mean something.
Why do I bring that up here? That is the picture of Jesus in His many ways of explaining who He is to His sheep. He goes before them and calls them to Himself. He is the door by which they go in and out. And He goes with them and protects and keeps them. What an incredibly comforting thought to start a day (or end it, depending on when you are doing this devotion!).
What do you think Jesus means by saying that everyone that has come in by another way is not the shepherd? How have you seen this?
Jesus makes it clear that His sheep hear His voice. What do you think that means and how does this speak to your life today?
Verse 5 gives an interesting perspective. What do you think the real world application is to this verse and how have you seen this?
How does this become part of your prayer?
Day 5
Read 2 Kings 5:1-14
In the sermon, I told you about three stories that mention a single spot in the Jordan River. One of those three stories was that of Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2, as you read in these devotions. Only a few chapters later, this story shows up and it also has a reference to the Jordan River. The reason that I did not include it with the other three is simply because it doesn’t pinpoint it to this exact spot. There are some interesting things going on in this story that deserve mentioning: like that fact that this was Elisha, Elijah’s protege that is directing Naaman, the Jordan River is used in a baptismal style way, and that Naaman shows up with horses and chariots (the non-flaming variety!) to visit Elisha.
The writer is very deliberately trying to get our minds settled on the fact that these sets of religious stories are not like the other tall-tales and fables of old. Something different keeps happening here and that there is something significant when you read about the Jordan River and a baptism in it. How often have we wrestled with the same ideas that are being asked here? “Does it have to be like this and are there not better ways that are just as good…the method and the specifics don’t really matter…right?” But for Naaman, he didn’t experience what he was looking for, what he wanted, what was the most incredible, until he did it God’s way. No the Jordan was not anything special, but God was connecting some dots that we needed pretty badly connected…so yeah, the Jordan River mattered. No, you don’t HAVE to be baptized to get to Heaven, but come on! Can’t you see the obvious thing God is trying to do here and don’t you get the significance of doing it God’s way, even though it may not seem like much to you?
Are there other pieces in this story that seem to make it reflect those other stories or even the ideas of baptism to you?
How do people around you ask the questions like Namaan did and stubbornly refuse to accept God’s word?
How does this become part of your prayer today?
In the sermon, I told you about three stories that mention a single spot in the Jordan River. One of those three stories was that of Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2, as you read in these devotions. Only a few chapters later, this story shows up and it also has a reference to the Jordan River. The reason that I did not include it with the other three is simply because it doesn’t pinpoint it to this exact spot. There are some interesting things going on in this story that deserve mentioning: like that fact that this was Elisha, Elijah’s protege that is directing Naaman, the Jordan River is used in a baptismal style way, and that Naaman shows up with horses and chariots (the non-flaming variety!) to visit Elisha.
The writer is very deliberately trying to get our minds settled on the fact that these sets of religious stories are not like the other tall-tales and fables of old. Something different keeps happening here and that there is something significant when you read about the Jordan River and a baptism in it. How often have we wrestled with the same ideas that are being asked here? “Does it have to be like this and are there not better ways that are just as good…the method and the specifics don’t really matter…right?” But for Naaman, he didn’t experience what he was looking for, what he wanted, what was the most incredible, until he did it God’s way. No the Jordan was not anything special, but God was connecting some dots that we needed pretty badly connected…so yeah, the Jordan River mattered. No, you don’t HAVE to be baptized to get to Heaven, but come on! Can’t you see the obvious thing God is trying to do here and don’t you get the significance of doing it God’s way, even though it may not seem like much to you?
Are there other pieces in this story that seem to make it reflect those other stories or even the ideas of baptism to you?
How do people around you ask the questions like Namaan did and stubbornly refuse to accept God’s word?
How does this become part of your prayer today?
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