Devotion:
Read Joshua 3:7 - 4:7.
The Jordan is a unique river where many special and even miraculous events occurred in the Bible. Jesus was baptized in this river, but hundreds of years earlier a miracle took place there. The Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. They had the Promised Land in sight but there was one problem: the Jordan River lay in their path. It was flooding season, and the waters were deep and turbulent. They most certainly felt anxious as they looked out over the swollen river and also considered the fortified cities that surrounded them. The Israelites had a spiritual obstacle to overcome; they needed to pass through troubled waters. Even as we approach a momentous occasion, we are often faced with troubled waters. God did not make the rivers subside, but he gave Joshua a set of orders that he passed on to the rest of the camp. The priests had faith that as soon as their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream would stop flowing. The priests stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan River while the Israelites passed on to dry land. God stopped the river from flowing AFTER the priests put their feet in the water.The Israelites shifted their focus from their troubled waters to God and God performed miracles. They stepped out in faith right into the middle of troubled waters and God led them to the other side.
As a reminder of what God had done for them, they built a memorial out of stones. We want to always remember the things God does for us too.
Adult Challenge:
What troubled waters have your focus?
· A financial problem
· A troubled marriage
· A hard time at school
· Poor self-esteem
· A bad habit
· A physical disability
· A bad attitude
· Family problems
Maybe we need to shift the focus of our prayer. Let’s quit focusing on the waters. God knows them. How does it look and sound when we focus on the waters? We dwell on the problem. We try to work out the solution when what God wants is for us to step out in faith right in the middle of our troubled waters so that he can lead us to the other side.
The Israelites built a memorial. Think of something you can do to remember how God helps you out of troubled water.
Youth Challenge:
What a turning point for the Israelites! They are finally about to make it to the promised land. I can’t help but think that after all they had experienced and the miracles God had performed, that some were still hesitant to cross the Jordan River. After all the major ways God showed up for them, you’d think crossing the river would be no big deal. I find myself sometimes lacking faith in some pretty minor things in my life, despite all the ways God has showed up in my life. Do you? Then God instructs them to take 12 stones from the river as a reminder of what God had done. What are some things you have that remind you of what God has done in your life or from a major turning point in your faith walk? Your confirmation Bible, a Resurrection lanyard, etc.
Children's Challenge:
What You Do
Before reading scripture, show an item that is special to you or to your family. This could be something someone special gave you or something that reminds you of a special time. Review why that item is special. Then read the scripture, looking for what and how the Israelites were to remember.
Make Remembrance Stones
You will need small/medium “river rock” type stones, markers/acrylic paints.
Directions
· Give each person a river rock
· paint them using markers or acrylic paint.
· Use a hair dryer to dry the paint.
· Write a message on the rock using a thin permanent marker like: “God Loves Me, Remember Him, Love God, Pray, Seek Him, etc.”
As you are working, discuss how the rocks helped the Israelites remember how God was with them. Their remembrance rocks can help them do the same things. Encourage everyone to place their painted rocks in a place where they will see it each day. The rock will serve as a reminder of God with them.
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