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Sabbath School Lesson

Memorials of Grace

Ever walk into a room and forget why you're there? In this Bible study on Joshua 4, discover why spiritual forgetfulness can be detrimental to our faith and how God's command to set up memorial stones teaches us to remember His faithfulness, sanctify ourselves, and cultivate our own testimonies.

10 min study

Memory Text:

“‘For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever'” (Joshua 4:23, 24, ESV).

Outline

  1. Introduction
  2. Points
    1. Remember to Sanctify Yourselves
    2. Remember What God Has Done
    3. Remember for Yourselves
  3. Conclusion
Memorials of GraceDownload

Introduction

Not sure if you can relate, but have you experienced going to a room and not being sure why you are there and what specifically you need? I have been in that spot several times. Perhaps that’s the reason I am a total nerd about note-taking, calendar-blocking, and to-do lists—probably because I have a serious problem with remembering things, especially under pressure.

I believe I am not an anomaly. This has been one of the problems of humanity ever since the fall of man. In this lesson, we will explore the importance of looking back and remembering what the Lord has done for us.

Remember to Sanctify Yourselves

Israel was getting ready to cross the Jordan. They were about to enter and conquer Jericho. One expects a dramatic and fierce instruction in order for Israel to be girded for the upcoming conquest. But instead of being instructed to sharpen swords or practice military tactics, they were asked to consecrate themselves.

Joshua 3:5 NKJV 

And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”

This verse reminds us that humans do have a role in sanctification (or the process of growing in the holiness of the Lord). Yes, it is true—it is God who sanctifies us (See Ezekiel 20:12). But humans do have a participatory yet non-meritorious role to play. Joshua commanded Israel to sanctify themselves, for tomorrow would be a special day when God would work wonders on Israel’s behalf.

While God loves everyone and can show signs and wonders to everyone, it is also a Biblical fact that those who are aligned with and surrendering to God’s will are more receptive to seeing God’s miracles. It is not that God is not all-powerful. He is. It is just that out of respect for our free will, God doesn’t exercise as much power in our lives unless we give Him permission to do such things. So, if we want to see more of God’s power, perhaps the answer lies in experiencing more of His presence.

The term “sanctify” in Joshua 3:5 points us back to what the priests do whenever they are about to partake in the sanctuary service. This connection tells us that in a greater sense, Israel was called to be priests before God. Even so are we:

1 Peter 2:9 NKJV 

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

So, if Israel were priests in the greater and broader sense, so are we! We are called to be holy as Israel was called to be holy before God. Let us remember to sanctify ourselves—not to earn merit or favor, but to place ourselves in right standing before God.

Acts 20:28 KJV 

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Remember What God Has Done

Joshua 4:3,6 NKJV 

and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.'” [6] that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?‘

Such beautiful imagery and truths are depicted in these verses! We must set memorials of what the grace of God has done for us—not only for us to be reminded (which we truly need), but also as testimonies to other people. Twofold: for us and for other people.

I am sure if we were to write a note in a journal of some kind (whether in print or in digital format) for 365 days and then look back after the said period, we would be surprised by what God has done. I sometimes struggle with what stories to share with other people. I find that others are struggling with the same problem. Perhaps the problem lies not in the lack of stories but in our negligence to remember those stories of God’s grace. This might be the reason God asked Israel to take stones with them—for them, and those who will follow, to be reminded and encouraged.

I grew up in the church. I grew up hearing of people who were once drunkards, drug addicts, and some are even murderers, but by God’s grace have been changed and renewed to a new creation. Upon hearing these and more stories, countless young people who grew up as Adventists and I look to ourselves and ask, “What’s my testimony?” I grew up with the thinking that my story is boring because it’s not dramatic. But now, I realize that it’s not. God is its author, and God is not a boring writer! Stories shouldn’t all look the same. My story might be different because it is meant to be shared with another group—people in the church who are growing tired of the system. Whatever our stories might be, know that God wrote it for a reason. Remember your stories. Pick up a stone and make it a memorial of God’s grace—for yourself and for countless individuals who might come your way.

Remember for Yourselves

Joshua 4:23 NKJV 

for the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over,

Two generations of people are described here: the ones who experienced the Red Sea crossing—the original group—and the Jordan River crossing group. As the Lord enabled the original group to cross the Red Sea, so the new group of Israelites was empowered to cross the Jordan River. Both groups were greatly strengthened by their respective experiences. The lesson is clear: We should not only rely on the stories and experiences of the people who have gone before us; we must have our own.

They say that the gospel doesn’t create grandchildren but only children, because everyone born of God receives grace directly from Him. This doesn’t mean that stories from our fathers are not helpful. They are! But we cannot get around the fact that we must have an experience of our own. Witnesses in any human court are selected based on what they have seen and experienced firsthand, so why do we expect anything less when talking about being witnesses for God?

So, we must remember for ourselves—that is, to have stories of our own that would strengthen ourselves and those who will follow the path that we have trodden, and as the song says, may they find us faithful!

Conclusion

This lesson reminds us that forgetfulness can sometimes (or oftentimes?) be detrimental to our spiritual progress. We grow doubtful and lethargic for the lack of remembering what God’s grace has done for us and in us. In this study, we have learned to:

  1. Remember to Sanctify Yourselves
  2. Remember What God Has Done
  3. Remember for Yourselves

As George Santayana said, 

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Remember to Remember!

Discussion Questions

  1. What is one practical way you can “sanctify yourself” this week to be more open to seeing God work in your life? This could be as simple as setting aside quiet time, addressing a habit that’s distancing you from God, or making space for prayer before a challenging situation.
  2. If you were to pick up a “stone” (memorial) today to remember something God has done for you in the past year, what would that stone represent? Share a specific moment or answered prayer that encouraged your faith—no matter how big or small it might seem.
  3. Whether you grew up in the church or came to faith later, what is one personal experience with God that is uniquely yours—a moment when you knew He was real and working in your life, not just something you heard from others?