Sabbath: Memorials of Grace
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 11th of October 2025
Image © Pacific Press
Read for This Week’s Study: Joshua 3:1-17, Numbers 14:44, Luke 18:18-27, Joshua 4:1-24, John 14:26, Hebrews 4:8-11.
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).
The police officer signaled. John had to pull over. The officer asked for his driver’s license, and, at that moment, it dawned on John that he had left his wallet, with his driver’s license, in the office. John explained what happened, and the officer asked about his job. John responded that he was a professor. As the officer gave John a ticket, he told him not to think of it as a fine.
“It’s tuition,” he said. “When people want to learn something, they pay tuition. This is your tuition to learn not to forget your license when driving. Have a good day, professor!”
As human beings, we are prone to forget things that are not constantly in our sight. We forget to return phone calls, respond to emails, water the plants, send birthday wishes, and so forth. The list could go on. Forgetting about our spiritual needs, however, could have more severe consequences than simply receiving a fine, especially because we are dealing with what is, literally, our eternal destiny.
Let’s study the crossing of the Jordan by the Hebrews and see what we can learn from their experiences.
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 18.
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I am actually quite good at remembering things. I came to Australia on February 13, 1963 and stepped ashore at 8:15am. I remember I was baptized on December 5, 1959. Apart from remembering useless facts like that, I can remember seriously important stuff too. Carmel’s birthday is March 9, 19xx (Ok I know the year, but out of deference to Carme’s wishes, I will not reveal it. The issue is that she looks so much younger and relishes telling people her looks lie about her age!)
My problem is this: I know the important stuff and can recite it at will, but acting on it is another thing again. Reciting Carmel’s birthday on request, might be a good trick but acting on it a couple of days before and planning something special – well let me just say that I am glad I have a colour printer and can produce a personalised birthday card very quickly.
This week’s lesson is about memorials – objects that jog our memory about important events that have happened in the past. That is a good thing, but the big question is: does the memorial just trigger a memory, or does it provide a springboard for action. For example, we like to think of the Sabbath as a memorial of creation, but does that trigger a response in our action to do something to look after God’s creation? Memorials should be more than memories
Jeremiah has this to say about remembering the past:
Memorials must be more than symbolic reminders!
Crossing rivers holds profound significance in the Bible, symbolizing God's immense might, miraculous grace, and intervention. It represents spiritual cleansing, new beginnings, and transitions. As we cross the Jordan with Israel, we're reminded that God is the ruler over all creation.
As we cross the Jordan, this week, every step should matter, reflecting our personal journey from one spiritual shore to another. God holds back the waters of obstacles, allowing us to walk on dry land, experiencing His loving goodness.
As Israel crosses into the Promised Land, memories of the Red Sea will resurface, showcasing another remarkable display of God's grace. Just as the Israelites witnessed God's power in parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31), crossing the Jordan River demonstrates His continued presence and provision (Joshua 3:14-17).
May we cherish every step, acknowledging God's faithfulness and loving-kindness, this week.
Memories are more than nostalgia; they are an act of worship. When we recall God’s deeds and dealings with us, we anchor our fleeting moments in His eternal constancy, finding meaning not in what fades, but in the One who never changes.In the words of Scott Fitzgerald Memories may leave stark imprint in our minds, but not necessarily the vibrancy of their initial impact and effect. The events we cherished, childhood dreams and fantasies, buildings we remember may crumble or even eventful days of youth may fleet. However the burdens of life humble us all, even while we long to revisit cherished moments, and to reclaim abandoned visions.
Deuteronomy 4:9 asks us to guard against such forgetfulness: “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” Moses urged the Israelites to remember God’s mighty works the miracles in Egypt, the manna in the wilderness, the covenant at Sinai not merely as events of the past, but as living reminders of His steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalms 105:5 calls us to “remember the wondrous works that he has done,” and Jesus, on the eve of His crucifixion, commanded His disciples, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
This week’s memory text, Joshua 4:23–24, is God calling the Children of Israel to remember and proclaim His mighty acts. By mentioning the two crossings of the Red Sea and the River Jordan, God reminds them that He is the same faithful Deliverer and Promise-Keeper. The crossings symbolise the beginning and the completion of the redemption story of the Children of Israel. God was the Alpha and Omega in their rescue from bondage in Egypt. What God begins will always bring it to successful completion, no matter the obstacles. Just as the Israelites were meant to remember both the Red Sea and the River Jordan experiences, so too we believers must remember both our deliverance from sin (through the blood of Jesus) and our entrance into the heavenly Canaan by living a faithful life daily. God, who called us from sin into His marvellous light, will safely land us into His kingdom. Amen.
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."( Philippians 1:6 ,NLT).
The crossing of the Jordan was a powerful reminder that success and progress come only when God leads the way. The Ark going before the people symbolized God’s presence, showing that human effort without divine guidance is futile. The twelve stones taken from the river served as a memorial so future generations would never forget God’s mighty acts. In the same way, we too must build “spiritual memorials” in our lives — habits of prayer, Scripture reading, and gratitude — that remind us of God’s faithfulness and keep our hearts anchored in His presence.
Before we step into any new challenge or decision, we must let God go before us. When we allow His presence to lead, He makes a way where there seems to be none. And as He brings us through, we should take time to remember and give thanks. Each act of remembrance strengthens our faith for the next “crossing.”