Sermon Recap: Joshua 4:10-24

Remembering God’s Faithfulness

Joshua 4:10-24

This Sunday, we studied Joshua 4 in our message “Remembering God’s Faithfulness,” where we were reminded that God calls His people to actively remember what He has done so they can trust Him for what lies ahead.

As Israel crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, God did more than deliver them through impossible circumstances—He commanded them to pause and remember. The stones taken from the river became a visible testimony of God’s presence, power, and faithfulness, meant not only for those who crossed that day, but for generations still to come. Remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthens His people to face future battles with confidence and hope.

Remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthens us to face future battles.

Here’s how Joshua 4 helps us learn to remember well:

1. God’s Presence Goes With Us Through What Seems Impossible (vv. 10–11)

• God stood in the middle of the danger – The priests carrying the ark remained in the Jordan until every detail of God’s command was complete.

• God does not abandon His people mid-obedience – The same God who led Israel to the river stood with them as they crossed it.

• God’s presence still sustains His people today – Just as Israel was not overwhelmed by the waters, believers can trust that God is present in the midst of their storms.

2. God Brings His People Through What He Allows Them to Face (vv. 12–19)

• God finishes what He starts – The waters did not return until God’s people had fully crossed.

• God fights for His people – Israel crossed prepared for battle, confident that the Lord was with them.

• Obedience rests on God’s faithfulness, not our strength – If God commands the crossing, He also makes the way.

3. Remembering God’s Faithfulness Shapes the Future (vv. 20–24)

• God calls His people to set up reminders – The stones at Gilgal served as a testimony to God’s mighty hand.

• Remembrance fuels worship, not recognition – Some acts of faithfulness are meant for God alone, not public applause.

• Remembering God strengthens future generations – These memorials were designed to spark questions, faith, and reverence in children yet to come.

Israel’s story ultimately points beyond the Promised Land to a greater hope. While Israel lived under the law, believers live under the finished work of Jesus—our true rest, our lasting peace, and our greatest reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Listen to the Sermon:

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Reflection Questions:

1. What are some ways God has sustained you through difficulty this past year?

2. Do you have intentional reminders in your life that help you remember God’s faithfulness?

3. How can remembering God’s past work strengthen your trust in Him right now?

4. What stories of God’s faithfulness do you want to pass on to the next generation?

Resources:

• Book: Joshua: A 12-Week Study (Trent Hunter)

• Book: Exalting Jesus in Joshua (Robert Smith Jr.)

Songs from Sunday:

• Joy to the World

• Emmanuel God With Us

• Holy Forever (Christmas)

• A Christmas Hymn

Find these and all the songs we sing for corporate worship during Advent on our OTC Christmas playlist.