Notes
Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?' Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord's hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”
Joshua 4:21-24
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
God's miracles weren't just for the Israelites; they displayed His power to the whole world. We often focus on fulfilling our purpose–our destiny–and forget the importance of legacy. What we do impacts not only our own lives, but the generations that follow. When the Spirit comes upon us, it's not just for us but for reaching others with the Good News. We have a personal destiny, but also a legacy that's bigger than us. Legacy takes intention; it's about creating ripple effects that reach the future.
Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren…
Proverbs 13:22a
Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.
Psalm 102:18
Our actions can impact the future. Decades from now, the decisions we make today will still be echoing. The question is: how engaged are we in leaving a mark beyond ourselves? Legacy-building leaves a spiritual inheritance for those who will come after us. How are we responsible for impacting the future? Here are three realities we need to remember to leave a legacy:
1) Stories are easily lost and God's faithfulness forgotten.
As soon as the priests carrying the Ark of the Lord's Covenant came up out of the riverbed and their feet were on high ground, the water of the Jordan returned and overflowed its banks as before.
Joshua 4:18
Joshua wanted it to be clear that this was a miracle. Stories are easily forgotten and God's faithfulness forgotten; legacy requires that we preserve and pass on those stories.
2) The future is impacted by those who have the faith to create it.
And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.
Joshua 3:17
These armed men—about 40,000 strong—were ready for battle, and the Lord was with them as they crossed over to the plains of Jericho.
Joshua 4:13
…And the people hurried and crossed…
Joshua 4:10c (NASB)
…and Joshua said to them, “Cross again to the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel.
Joshua 4:5 (NASB)
We may get concerned about the state of our culture or the world. But Jesus said that there is no obstacle the enemy could put up that would keep the Church from working and God from prevailing. Our God is bigger than that! If we don't like the direction the future is heading, we're empowered to change it by stepping out in faith.
3) To impact the future, you have to be willing to fight for it.
…the water above that point began backing up a great distance away at a town called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho.
Joshua 3:16
The armed warriors from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh led the Israelites across the Jordan, just as Moses had directed. These armed men—about 40,000 strong—were ready for battle, and the Lord was with them as they crossed over to the plains of Jericho.
Joshua 4:12-13
Creating the future requires fighting for it. The enemy isn't taking a break. Either we fight for the future or we sit in a spiritual chair and never engage. The Church cannot afford to sit idle. We are God's people, called to engage and leave a lasting legacy. Legacy is about leveraging what we have to make a difference not just for now, but for those who come after us.
Group Questions
- What are the “stones” of remembrance in your life? What are some stories that shouldn't be forgotten, and how can you remember them?
- Are there areas of your life where you've been passive about the future? What might God be calling you to fight for?
- How can you use the resources you've been given to make an impact beyond your lifetime?
Prayer
Help us to remember your faithfulness and use what you've given me to leave a lasting impact for your kingdom. Help us to live a life that honors you and blesses future generations.