Heart Prep:
After Moses died, God spoke to Joshua and told him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God promised to be with Joshua just as He was with Moses and told him to be strong and courageous. God said Joshua must obey everything Moses had commanded and always remember and think about God’s Word. Joshua told the people to get ready to cross the Jordan River. When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant stepped into the river, the water stopped flowing, and the Israelites crossed on dry ground. God showed that He was with Joshua and would keep His promises. God’s power made a way for His people, just as He does for us through Jesus, who brings us to God by faith.
Message:
After Moses died, God chose Joshua to be the new leader of the Israelites. He told Joshua to be strong and courageous because He would be with him just as He was with Moses. God promised to give His people the land across the Jordan River, and He told Joshua to obey His commands carefully for success. Joshua got everyone ready to cross the river and told them to watch for the ark of the covenant. When the priests carrying the ark stepped into the river, the water stopped flowing, and all the Israelites crossed on dry ground. God told Joshua to have one man from each of the twelve tribes take a stone from the riverbed to create something special that would remind future generations how God stopped the Jordan River. When the priests finished crossing, the river began to flow again, showing that God is mighty and with His people.
Main Point:
“God’s presence went before the people, and the waters of the Jordan were stopped. God’s people crossed safely into the Promised Land. Jesus went before God on behalf of sinners. All who trust in His life, death, and resurrection are saved from judgment and enter into eternal life.”
