Remembering what God has done

Joshua 3:1-5:12
Remembering What God has done
How has God blessed you this week?
This week we are going to see how Israel tried to remember their miraculous crossing into the Promised Land. We pick up the story in Chapter 3. The spies have reported back, It’s full steam ahead.
Read Joshua 3:1-5. The people had 3 days to think about the next steps. They were entering into the land God had promised, a lot of uncertainty lie ahead. Joshua called for the people to consecrate themselves.
One definition of consecration is to set apart or dedicate yourself to the service of God.
Back in Exodus 19:14-15 Israelites consecrated themselves by washing their clothes and abstaining from sexual contact. This was just before they were given the 10 commandments, another important occasion.
Have you ever consecrated yourself? When? How? What would be a time when you might want to do that?
Time to go – Read 3:6-13 & 17
What did God Promise Joshua? (v7) I will exalt you in the sight of Israel. I will be with you .
They were consecrated, they were going to do all God had for them to do. They had likely heard the story of the Exodus. Who do you think this miracle affected them? Do you think they learned something about God through this experience?
God wanted them to remember what He had done for them, so He commanded them to do something special. Read 4:1-8
God commanded them to haul out 12 big rocks and stack them up as a memorial. Why?
Earlier, we shared some blessings that God has given us. Is it important for us to remember God’s blessings? Why?
How do you remember what God has done for you? Memory? Stones? What about sharing your experiences with others? Children? Family? Others?
Ch 5 tells about the males all getting circumcised with flint knives and how one of their potential enemies was scared off by the miracle at the crossing of the Jordan.
V10-12- The manna stopped. Wow. How important was that stack of stones on the first day with no manna?
God changed the way he provided for Israel from Manna to the produce in the promised land. When he changes the way he provides for us, those previous blessings can be an important reminder of His love and provision.