Summary of Sermon – Joshua Session 3 Text Focus:Joshua chapters 3–5 — Israel’s crossing of the Jordan River, covenant renewal, and Joshua’s encounter with the Lord. 1. Crossing the Jordan: Following God’s Presence Joshua leads Israel to the Jordan River as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The ark of the covenant symbolizes God’s presence and direction. The people are instructed to keep a reverent distance and follow where they have not been before — a metaphor for trusting God’s leadership into new seasons. Emphasis: Check with God before acting, as David did. Without divine guidance, human wisdom leads to destruction. 2. Sanctification and Preparation Joshua tells the people to sanctify themselves—prepare their hearts before encountering God. Spiritual application: many believers fail in preparation; we rush to worship or prayer without focus. Encourage deliberate quieting of the heart before God. 3. The Miracle and Memorial When the priests step into the Jordan, the waters stop—a new generation witnesses God’s power, as their parents did at the Red Sea. Twelve stones are taken from the river to build a memorial at Gilgal, a lasting reminder of God’s faithfulness. Application: Tell your children what God has done; leave spiritual testimonies, not just material inheritances. Forgetting the cost leads to complacency—just as people forget the price paid for freedom or salvation. 4. Covenant Renewal at Gilgal God commands the new generation to be circumcised, renewing the covenant their fathers neglected. Gilgal means “rolled away”—God rolls away the reproach of Egypt. Spiritual meaning: God circumcises our hearts, removing spiritual blindness. Revival is not for the lost (“unvived”) but for believers to be revived—to renew their first love. 5. Transition of Provision After the Passover, the manna ceases, and Israel eats the fruit of Canaan. Message: God changes seasons—He may not move in the same way He once did. Mature believers learn to hear the still small voice, not depend on grand emotional experiences. 6. The Divine Encounter Joshua meets the Commander of the Lord’s army—a divine or pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. He is told to remove his sandals, as Moses did at the burning bush, for he stands on holy ground. Application: The deepest encounters with God often happen alone, not in crowds. God desires one-on-one time with His people—to reveal Himself personally and intimately. 7. Final Exhortation Make room for personal encounters with God, beyond church gatherings. Strength, joy, and peace flow from direct relationship with Christ. No one—not even loved ones—can take the place of Jesus in bringing joy or fulfillment. Closing Prayer A call for God’s people to keep Him first, walk closely with His Spirit, and regularly make time for intimate communion with Him—away from distraction.