Sermon: Remember God’s Goodness

Sermon Date: 8/10/2025

Bible Verses:

• Joshua 4

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-

Introduction:

God knows something about human nature—we tend to forget. We forget promises. We forget lessons. We even forget miracles.

And so, God commands us again and again in Scripture to remember. Not just with our minds, but with markers—visible reminders of what He has done.

In Joshua 4, the Israelites have just crossed the Jordan River on dry ground—a miracle echoing the parting of the Red Sea. But before they can move forward, God stops them and says, in effect: “Build a monument. You need to remember this.”

1. The Command to Remember (Joshua 4:1–7)

After the miraculous crossing, God instructs Joshua to choose twelve men, one from each tribe, to take stones from the middle of the riverbed.

“Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask… you shall tell them…” (Joshua 4:6–7)

Key Point: God doesn’t just want us to live in the moment—He wants us to carry the moment forward, so future generations know who He is and what He has done.

Application:

• What markers are you placing in your life to remind you and your children of God’s faithfulness?
• Do you have stories of answered prayer, provision, healing, or guidance that you rehearse?

1. The Purpose of the Stones (Joshua 4:8–14)

The stones weren’t magical. They were memorials—Ebenezers.

In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel sets up a stone and says: “Till now the Lord has helped us.” (Ebenezer = “Stone of Help”)

The Israelites needed to remember not just what God did, but who God is—the One who delivers, who keeps promises, who makes a way where there is none.

God’s people were prone to forget—that’s why Moses warned:

“Take care lest you forget the Lord who brought you out…” (Deuteronomy 6:12)

Modern Application: We, too, build modern-day memorials:

• Journals of answered prayer
• Family traditions centered on testimonies
• Baptism, Communion, and other visible acts of remembrance

Jesus said in Luke 22:19 at the Last Supper, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

We need regular, physical reminders of grace.

III. God’s Power and Glory on Display (Joshua 4:15–18)

The priests stood firm in the riverbed until every Israelite had crossed over. Only after that did the waters return.

This wasn’t just a display of might—it was a revelation of God’s timing, mercy, and presence.

“That all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty…” (Joshua 4:24)

Key Point: Miracles are never just for the moment—they are testimonies for others.

Psalm 77:11 says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”

Challenge: Do the people around you see the faithfulness of God through the way you remember and talk about Him?

1. The Faith of the Next Generation (Joshua 4:19–24)

The memorial wasn’t just for those who lived it—it was for their children, and their children’s children.

“When your children ask… you shall let them know…” (v. 21–22)

This is discipleship—telling the next generation what God has done.

Psalm 103:2 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”

Key Point: Forgetfulness leads to fear and rebellion. Remembrance leads to faith and obedience.

Conclusion:

There are moments in your life where God made a way through impossible waters.

Did you build a memorial?

Not out of stone, perhaps—but out of prayer, testimony, worship, and witness?

Because if we don’t remember, we’ll drift.

But if we do remember, we will be able to say like Samuel: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Application Questions:

1. What has God brought you through that you need to commemorate and share?
2. What are you teaching the next generation about God's power and promises?
3. Are you actively remembering His faithfulness—or have you let it fade into the background?

Closing Encouragement:

• Build your memorials.
• Tell your story.
• Remember His faithfulness.
• And point your children, your neighbors, and your community to the God who makes a way.