Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary

SS25-Q4-L3 - Memorials of Grace - Oct. 11-17, 2025

Saturday Afternoon
Key Scriptures for the Week: Joshua 3, Num. 14:44, Luke 18:18-27, Joshua 4, John 14:26, Heb. 4:8-11

Thought for Meditation:
In His wisdom the Saviour teaches us to approach God with the confidence of a child. He instructs us to call Jehovah by the endearing name of "Father," that we may not separate from Him in awe and coldness. Constantly He points us to the emblems of fatherly love, seeking to encourage faith and confidence in God. He pleads with us to have a correct idea of the Father. He throws back the accusation of the enemy, declaring, "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him." He would have the memorials of redeeming grace arrest our attention, that we may know that all the goodness, mercy, patience, forbearance, seen in Him, belong to God. {ST, January 20, 1898 par. 6}

Memory Text: "For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:

That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it [is] mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever." {Joshua 4:23-24}

The Purpose of This Week’s Lesson

The purpose of this week’s study is to help God’s people recognize, remember, and respond to the memorials of His redeeming grace—those divine acts that reveal His mighty power, steadfast mercy, and fatherly love in both ancient Israel’s journey and in the present truth movement today.

Through the crossing of the Jordan and the setting up of memorial stones (Joshua 3–4), God designed to preserve a living testimony of His faithfulness, that “all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty” (Joshua 4:24). These memorials were not merely historical markers, but spiritual reminders to awaken faith, obedience, and holy fear among His people in every generation.

Prophetically, the Lord calls His people today to establish memorials of faith and obedience in preparation for entering the antitypical Land of Promise—the purified Kingdom Church. As ancient Israel was tested at Jordan before Canaan, so spiritual Israel now stands at the border of the eternal inheritance, being called to renew the covenant through remembrance of divine deliverances and through consecrated living.

🔥 Spirit of Prophecy Insight

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”
— Life Sketches, p. 196.

Ellen G. White emphasizes that the Lord’s past dealings are memorials of His grace, designed to strengthen faith and prepare His people for greater trials ahead. The Lord would have His people recount these mercies so that trust may deepen, fear of God may be restored, and gratitude may be rekindled.

Thus, the weekly purpose is to awaken the church to remember God’s leading—not merely as history, but as prophetic assurance that the same divine hand will carry His people safely through the final crisis to victory.

“In crossing the Jordan, Israel entered into the land of promise—type of the church today crossing into the Kingdom. And as the memorial stones were set up to remind future generations of God’s power and faithfulness, so must the antitypical Israel establish memorials of His grace—the truths, reforms, and victories He has given through the messages of the hour.”
— Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 37, p. 10 (paraphrased emphasis).

The inspiration reveals that these memorials of grace also typify the divine revelations that mark each advancing step in the sealing and restoration of God’s people. Forgetting these memorials leads to spiritual defeat (Num. 14:44), but treasuring them ensures perseverance and victory through the Jordan of purification into the promised Kingdom rest (Heb. 4:8–11).

✨ Summary Purpose Statement

To renew our faith in God’s mighty hand by remembering His past deliverances, to cherish the memorials of His grace revealed through His Word and messages, and to prepare our hearts to cross the spiritual Jordan—entering by faith into the rest and glory of His everlasting Kingdom.

Outline of the Study

The Crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3)

Sunday - October 12, 2025
Need for Holiness- Crossing the Jordan
Joshua 3:1-5; Numbers 14:41-44; Exod. 40:21; Num. 10:33-36; Exod. 16:33; Heb. 9:4; Exod. 25:22, Num. 7:89; Exod. 28:41, Exod. 29:1; Exod. 19:10, 14; Numbers 11:18; Deut. 23:14.
Monday - October 6, 2025
The Wonders of God - The Living God of Wonders
Joshua 3:6-17; Ps. 72:18, Ps. 86:10; Ps. 9:1; Ps. 96:3; Exod. 3:20, Mic. 7:15; Ps. 78:12-16; Jer. 32:17; Judg. 13:18; Ps. 96:5, Isa. 44:8; Zech. 8:6-8; Luke 18:18-27. Remember and Forget (Joshua 4)
Tuesday - October 14, 2025
Signs of Remembrance
Exod. 7:3, Deut. 4:34; Gen. 9:12-13; Exod. 12:13; Exod. 31:13, 17; Ezek. 20:12; Deut. 5:15, Deut. 8:2; Gen. 28:18-22; Exod. 12:26-27; Deut. 6:20-25.

Wednesday - October 15, 2025
The Danger of Forgetting - Forgetfulness
Joshua 4:20-24; Judg. 3:7; Judg. 8:34; Ps. 78:11; Deut. 8:2, 18; Ps. 45:17; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; John 14:26.
Jordan River Milestones
Thursday - October 16, 2025
Beyond the Jordan
Ps. 66:6; Ps. 114:1-7; 2 Kings 2:6-15; Ps. 66:16-19; 1 Kings 19:21; 2 Kings 2:22; Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:9; Matt. 2:14-16; Matt. 4:2; Hebrews 3-4.

Friday - October 17, 2025
Further Prophetic Insights and Study

The Crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3)

Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.’ ” (Joshua 3:5)

The Jordan as a Spiritual Barrier

The crossing of the Jordan River was not merely a geographic event; it represented the transition from the wilderness experience of testing, doubt, and rebellion into the promised rest of God’s inheritance. Just as Israel could not enter Canaan until the Jordan was crossed, God’s people today cannot enter the fullness of His promises—spiritual blessings, revival, and reform—without first passing through the waters of separation from sin and worldliness.

Numbers 14:41-44 shows the consequences of impatience and rebellion: attempts to enter God’s promise without holiness result in defeat. The river becomes a symbol of the line of separation that must be respected.
The river, like God’s law, cannot be bypassed by mere zeal or human strength; it demands obedience and faith.

SOP Insight: Ellen G. White emphasizes that “Christ is our only hope of victory, and separation from sin is the first step toward the fulfillment of His promises” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 482). The Israelites were commanded to consecrate themselves—a preparation of both heart and life for divine action.

The Call to Consecration: Holiness as Prerequisite

Joshua’s instruction to consecrate themselves (Josh. 3:5) is not ceremonial alone; it reflects the holistic purification of mind, heart, and conduct.

Exodus 19:10, 14; 28:41; 29:1 — God’s people are called to sanctify themselves before approaching His presence. Consecration prepares them to meet God without fear, as in the case of priests before performing sacred duties.
Hebrews 9:4; Exod. 25:22 — The Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence, typifies Christ in the Most Holy Place. The people’s sanctification parallels the priestly preparation required to experience God’s immediate presence.

Inspiration explains that consecration involves purging the soul from worldly desires and embracing the Present Truth. Without this preparation, even those called may falter at the threshold of spiritual inheritance (see The Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 101).

God’s Amazing Works Require Faith and Obedience

The promise, “the Lord will do amazing things among you,” points to the miraculous intervention of God in behalf of the faithful.

Numbers 10:33-36 — God’s presence leads Israel. They followed the Ark as the sign of His guidance, illustrating that divine power is available to those who honor His ways.
Exodus 16:33; Numbers 7:89 — The Ark was central in providing spiritual and material guidance. Similarly, God’s people today must center their lives on His Word and Spirit, allowing His presence to lead them into victory.

SOP Insight: The miracle at the Jordan foreshadows the final deliverance of God’s people at the end of time. White writes: “The Lord’s arm is not shortened, nor His ear heavy. He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Prophets and Kings, p. 456). God’s “amazing things” are realized through obedience and faith in His revealed truth.

Typology of Christ and the New Covenant

The crossing of the Jordan is a type of Christ leading His people into the heavenly Canaan:

The river represents sin, death, and the worldly distractions from which we must be separated.
Hebrews 4:8-11 — Joshua (the type) points to Christ (the antitype) who leads His people into eternal rest.
Just as the priests bearing the Ark stepped into the river, believers must step faithfully and courageously into the path of obedience, trusting God to make a way.

The inspiration emphasizes that God’s faithful remnant will experience the fulfillment of promises only after a spiritual Jordan is crossed—a separation from false doctrines, lukewarmness, and rebellion (see The Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 112).

Practical and Prophetic Application

Consecrate Yourself Daily – Personal holiness is a prerequisite for experiencing God’s power. This involves confession, surrender, and consistent separation from sin.
Follow the Ark of Truth – Center your life on God’s Word, Christ’s righteousness, and the message of present truth.
Trust in God’s Miraculous Power – When facing “rivers” of doubt, trial, or opposition, step forward in faith. God’s promises will not fail.
Prepare for Spiritual Inheritance – Just as Israel took possession of Canaan, God’s faithful will enter the promised kingdom. The journey requires both courage and consecration.

SOP Insight: White calls this the “final testing time” for God’s people: “The Lord will do great things among those who prepare their hearts, and the results of their faithfulness will shine forth as a testimony to all nations” (Prophets and Kings, p. 464).

The crossing represents the final purification and preparation of the remnant before the kingdom of God is fully established (see The Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 115).

Consider the Following:
❖Need for holiness

—For 40 years, the cloud had signaled the time to break camp and set out, and the ark guided Israel to its new destination (Num. 9:17; 10:33).

—The time had come to move. They broke camp at Shittim and encamped for three days across the Jordan. Then they received the order to follow the ark into the Promised Land (Josh. 3:1-3).

—Following the ark involved

(1)Obey God (The 10 Commandments)

(2)Trusting in God's care (the vessel with manna)

(3)Respect the leaders appointed by God (Aaron's rod)

—But there was a prerequisite: they had to be sanctified (Josh. 3:5). This consecration involved ceremonial purification (washing clothes and body), forsaking sin, and having a receptive attitude toward obeying God's commands.

Conclusion

The crossing of the Jordan is a prophetic type of the believer’s call to holiness, consecration, and faith in God’s miraculous deliverance. It illustrates that:

Victory comes only to those who separate themselves from sin and worldliness.
Divine guidance is always present for the consecrated.
Christ, as the antitype Joshua, leads His people into the eternal promised rest.

As Joshua commanded, so today: “Consecrate yourselves, for the Lord will do amazing things among you.” The miraculous is contingent upon our sanctification, obedience, and unwavering faith in God’s Word.

Monday - October 6, 2025
The Wonders of God - The Living God of Wonders
Joshua 3:6-17; Ps. 72:18, Ps. 86:10; Ps. 9:1; Ps. 96:3; Exod. 3:20, Mic. 7:15; Ps. 78:12-16; Jer. 32:17; Judg. 13:18; Ps. 96:5, Isa. 44:8; Zech. 8:6-8; Luke 18:18-27.

“the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho” (Joshua 3:16)

The Miraculous Intervention of God

The miraculous stopping of the Jordan River reveals God as the Living God of wonders, whose power transcends natural laws. The river’s waters “piled up in a heap” to allow Israel’s passage symbolizes how God intervenes supernaturally on behalf of His faithful.

Psalm 72:18; Ps. 86:10; Ps. 96:3; Ps. 9:1 — The wonders of God declare His glory and sovereignty over creation. Miracles are not random; they are deliberate acts to display God’s majesty and accomplish His purposes.
Exodus 3:20; Micah 7:15; Ps. 78:12-16 — The same God who delivered Israel from Egypt and provided for them in the wilderness demonstrates continuity of divine care. The Jordan crossing echoes past wonders to reinforce faith in God’s unchanging power.

SOP Insight: Ellen G. White writes: “God’s miracles are not only for deliverance but also to strengthen the faith of His people, showing them His supremacy and inspiring reverent awe” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 483). Each miracle is a testimony to His presence among His people.

The Ark of the Covenant: The Center of God’s Power

The priests carrying the Ark were pivotal in the miracle. The stopping of the river occurred because the Ark of the Covenant—the symbol of God’s presence—touched the waters.

Joshua 3:6 — The priests’ feet in the Jordan signal that obedience and consecration are channels through which God manifests His wonders.
Numbers 7:89; Exodus 40:21 — The Ark represents God dwelling among His people; His presence is inseparable from miraculous power.
Hebrews 9:4; Exodus 25:22 — Spiritual reality is reflected in typology: Christ, as the true Ark, brings divine intervention into the life of the believer.

Inspiration emphasizes that the Ark is a type of present truth and God’s Spirit leading His remnant. Miraculous outcomes follow not human effort, but alignment with divine instruction (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 105).

God’s Wonders as Revelation of His Character

The piling of the Jordan’s waters reveals God’s omnipotence, faithfulness, and willingness to act for His people.

Jeremiah 32:17; Judges 13:18 — Human limitation contrasts with divine ability; nothing is too difficult for God.
Isaiah 44:8; Psalm 96:5 — God alone is true, living, and unchanging. His wonders testify to His eternal dominion.
Zechariah 8:6-8 — The purpose of divine miracles is often redemptive: to fulfill promises and establish covenant faithfulness.

SOP Insight: White notes that God’s miraculous works inspire obedience. Miracles, while astounding, are meant to lead hearts toward reverence, faith, and righteous action (Prophets and Kings, p. 457). The Jordan crossing prepared Israel to inherit the promised land—a spiritual lesson mirrored in the believer’s journey toward eternal Canaan.

Typology: Crossing into Spiritual Inheritance

The Jordan event typifies the transition from the wilderness of sin, doubt, and spiritual testing into the rest of God’s promises:

Luke 18:18-27 — Salvation requires faith and obedience; the impossible is made possible by God’s power.
The piling of waters upstream and dry riverbed for Israel signifies God’s providential arrangement—He clears the obstacles for His faithful, yet requires faithful alignment with His ways.
The miracle was both historical and symbolic, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance through Christ, the antitypical Joshua, who leads believers across the spiritual Jordan into eternal life.

The inspiration emphasizes that final deliverance requires both faith and obedience, and God’s wonders often manifest in ways visible only to the consecrated remnant (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 110). Spiritual inheritance is contingent upon alignment with the Present Truth.

Practical and Prophetic Applications

Faith in God’s Power – The impossibilities in life or spiritual struggles are surmountable when God intervenes.
Obedience as Channel for Miracles – Just as priests stood in the river, believers today must actively obey God’s instructions to witness His wonders.
Witness to Others – Miracles are testimonies to God’s glory; they reveal His character and call others to faith and reverence.
Preparation for Inheritance – Spiritual “Jordan crossings” require consecration, patience, and faith; God’s wonders are often experienced at the threshold of promise.

SOP Insight: White reminds believers that “miracles are not for amazement alone, but to establish faith, obedience, and reverence, preparing the soul for the promised inheritance” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 484).

Inspiration highlights that the wonders God performs are signals for the remnant to move forward in obedience, marking the transition from symbolic wilderness to spiritual possession (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 112).

Consider the Following
❖The wonders of God

—God is “Who only does wondrous things” (Ps. 72:18). Therefore, we recognize him as the One God (Ps. 86:10); we remember his wonders (Ps. 77:11); and we recount his amazing deeds (Ps. 96:3).

—Nothing is too difficult or too wonderful for Him, who created all things (Jer. 32:17; Luke 1:37). So we can trust that He can also work wonders in our lives (Ps. 107:8).

—The crossing of the Jordan is one of God's wonders, which prophetically points to another of the great wonders that God has promised to perform in us: entry into the heavenly Canaan (Zech. 8:6-8).

Conclusion

The Jordan’s waters stopped and allowed Israel to cross, demonstrating:

The Living God of wonders controls nature and providence.
Faith, obedience, and consecration are required to experience God’s miracles.
Every miracle points forward to Christ as the antitypical Joshua, who leads His people into eternal rest.

The lesson is clear: God’s wonders are for those prepared to obey and follow His instructions, and through them, His glory is revealed to all nations.

Remember and Forget (Joshua 4)
Tuesday - October 14, 2025
Signs of Remembrance
Exod. 7:3, Deut. 4:34; Gen. 9:12-13; Exod. 12:13; Exod. 31:13, 17; Ezek. 20:12; Deut. 5:15, Deut. 8:2; Gen. 28:18-22; Exod. 12:26-27; Deut. 6:20-25.
“to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them…” (Joshua 4:6-7a)

Memorials of God’s Power and Faithfulness

The twelve stones taken from the Jordan’s riverbed were tokens of divine intervention and covenant remembrance. They were not mere relics, but spiritual symbols—testimonies of what God had done for His people when faith met obedience.
Each stone represented a tribe, signifying that all Israel was united in the miracle of deliverance, and that each had a duty to remember and proclaim the wondrous acts of the living God.

Exodus 7:3; Deuteronomy 4:34 – God’s mighty works in Egypt, signs and wonders, were to be remembered as acts of mercy and judgment.
Psalm 78:4–7 (parallel thought) – God’s people must declare His works to the next generation, that they might set their hope in God and not forget His commandments.

SOP Insight: Ellen G. White writes, “The record of God’s dealings with His people in the past should not be forgotten. They are to be rehearsed again and again, that faith may be strengthened and courage renewed.” — Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 483.
Remembrance is the anchor of faith, preventing spiritual amnesia and apostasy.

Inspiration emphasizes that the memorials of God’s deliverance are to preserve the integrity of His movement—reminders that victory comes only through divine guidance. When the people forget the source of their progress, apostasy swiftly follows (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 116).

The Divine Principle of Memorials

From the beginning, God instituted tokens and signs as reminders of His covenant and presence with humanity. These memorials serve to preserve truth and distinguish the faithful from the world.

Genesis 9:12–13 – The rainbow was given as a memorial of God’s promise never again to destroy the earth by flood.
Exodus 12:13, 26–27 – The Passover became a perpetual reminder of redemption through the blood of the Lamb.
Exodus 31:13, 17; Ezekiel 20:12 – The Sabbath is a sign between God and His people, signifying sanctification and divine ownership.
Deuteronomy 5:15; 8:2 – Israel was commanded to remember deliverance from Egypt and the forty years of wilderness discipline as lessons of dependence upon God.
Genesis 28:18–22 – Jacob set up a stone at Bethel as a witness of his covenant with God.

SOP Insight: “God’s people are not to forget the evidences of His care and sustaining grace. Memorials of His mercy are to be cherished as proof of His unfailing faithfulness.” — Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 367.

The inspiration interprets these divine signs as types and shadows pointing forward to God’s present truth movement—each memorial representing an advance of light in the unfolding plan of redemption. Forgetting these signs leads to repeating the failures of ancient Israel (2TG No. 30, p. 12).

The Twelve Stones: Prophetic Symbolism

The twelve stones taken from the Jordan and set up in Gilgal bear deep prophetic significance:

Twelve represents God’s government, completeness, and the organized structure of His church—first seen in the twelve patriarchs, then the twelve tribes, and later the twelve apostles.
The stones were taken from the riverbed—from the place of death and obstacle—to become a testimony of life and triumph.
This symbolizes God’s power to raise His people from the depths of despair and bondage into victorious faith.

The twelve stones typify the purified, organized, and unified people of God at the end of time—the antitypical Israel—who pass through the “river” of purification before entering the Promised Kingdom. These living stones (1 Peter 2:5) are memorials of divine deliverance, built into the spiritual temple of God (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 118).

SOP Parallel: “The Lord has made His church on earth a channel of light, and He calls upon His people to be living stones, reflecting the light of His glory.” — The Acts of the Apostles, p. 595.

The Danger of Forgetfulness and the Call to Remember

Israel’s recurring problem was not ignorance but forgetfulness. Each generation tended to forget God’s works and stray into idolatry. Hence, God established memorials as safeguards against spiritual decline.

Deuteronomy 6:20–25 – Parents were to teach their children the meaning of God’s laws and miracles so that the knowledge of truth would not perish.
Forgetfulness of past mercies results in unbelief; remembrance sustains faith and continuity of truth.

SOP Insight: Ellen G. White warns: “Those who forget God’s past dealings lose their hold upon Him. We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us.” — Life Sketches, p. 196.

Forgetting God’s providential leadings is one of the chief causes of spiritual blindness in the church today. The Rod points out that modern Israel, like ancient Israel, is in danger of trusting in human leadership while neglecting divine revelation, thus forgetting the milestones of reform that mark the way of truth (Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 45, p. 17).

Prophetic and Practical Applications

Remembrance Strengthens Identity – Memorials preserve the identity and continuity of God’s people. Forgetting the past leads to loss of purpose and spiritual drift.
Transmission of Faith – Parents and leaders are to teach the meaning of God’s works so that every generation may understand its heritage of truth.
Living Memorials Today – The Sabbath, the Lord’s Supper, baptism, and the prophetic message of the hour are God’s appointed memorials to remind His people of His covenant relationship.
Warning Against Neglect – Those who despise or minimize God’s memorials—whether His law, His Sabbath, or His messages of reform—risk repeating ancient Israel’s history of apostasy.
Preparation for the Kingdom – The final remnant must remember every token of God’s deliverance during the sealing and purification process before entering the antitypical Canaan.

SOP Insight: “As we review the experiences through which we have passed, how our hearts should thrill with gratitude, and how firm should be our faith in the future leadings of the Lord.” — Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 10.

“Every advance truth is a new memorial of God’s leadership. Those who cherish and proclaim these tokens of divine progress are the true descendants of faithful Israel.” — Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 119.

Consider the Following

❖Signs for remembrance

—In the Bible, a sign can have several meanings: a miraculous act (1 Kings 13:3); a symbol of something (Gen. 9:13); a warning mark (Ex. 12:13); a distinguishing mark (Ezek. 20:20); a memorial (Gen. 28:18).

—The 12 stones taken from the Jordan that Joshua set up as a sign belong to the latter type: a memorial.

—Beyond the memory itself, what was the objective that God had in mind when asking for these stones to be erected (Josh. 4:6-7)?

—The new generations had to know what God had done. Their faith had to be based on the wonders of God. It was the responsibility of parents to pass this knowledge on to their children (Deut. 4:9). With this knowledge, each of us must live by our own faith.

Conclusion

The twelve stones at the Jordan were not silent—they spoke of God’s power, mercy, and covenant faithfulness.
They remind God’s people today that every truth, every reform, every deliverance in the journey of faith is a memorial of grace—a witness that the same God who opened the river will finish His work and establish His Kingdom.

Therefore:

“When your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’—tell them that the Lord of the whole earth has done great things for His people.”

Remembering strengthens faith, forgetting leads to fall.
As ancient Israel had her stones at Gilgal, modern Israel must have her spiritual memorials—living testimonies of God’s leading and power.

Wednesday - October 15, 2025
The Danger of Forgetting - Forgetfulness
Joshua 4:20-24; Judg. 3:7; Judg. 8:34; Ps. 78:11; Deut. 8:2, 18; Ps. 45:17; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; John 14:26.

“The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs” (Judges 3:7)

Forgetting God—The Root of Apostasy

The greatest tragedy of Israel’s history was not ignorance but forgetfulness. They had experienced God’s mighty deliverance at the Red Sea, His provision in the wilderness, and His wonders at the Jordan—but with the passing of time, memory faded, reverence waned, and rebellion followed.

Judges 3:7; 8:34 — Forgetting the Lord led directly to idolatry; spiritual amnesia caused the people to transfer their allegiance to false gods.
Psalm 78:11 — “They forgot His works, and His wonders that He had shown them.” Memory is the moral compass of faith; when it fails, conscience and devotion erode.
Deuteronomy 8:2, 18 — God permitted trials in the wilderness so that His people would remember His providence and recognize Him as the source of all blessings.

SOP Insight: Ellen G. White warns:

“The reason why God's people are often left in darkness is that they forget His dealings with them. They should often recall the precious deliverances wrought out for them.”
— Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 71.

When memory of divine mercy is lost, gratitude dies, and sin finds easy entrance.

Inspiration points out that ancient Israel’s forgetting God symbolizes the spiritual neglect of modern Israel, who have forgotten His progressive revelations and providence.

“The sin of forgetfulness today is the sin of rejecting advancing truth—the evidence of God’s leadership through the unfolding of prophecy.”
— Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 121.

Joshua’s Memorial and the Purpose of Remembrance

In Joshua 4:20–24, the twelve stones set up at Gilgal were established to guard against forgetfulness. These stones testified of God’s mighty act at the Jordan and were to serve as a perpetual reminder of His faithfulness.
Yet as generations passed, the meaning of the stones was lost because the parents failed to teach their children.

Psalm 45:17 — “I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations.”
God’s purpose is to perpetuate His name through remembrance and instruction, not through relics or ritualism, but through living experience and testimony.
The neglect to “remember” leads to generational decline, whereas remembrance ensures continuity of faith.

SOP Insight:

“Each day has its burdens, cares, and perplexities; but when we look back, we shall see that God’s hand has been with us all the way. We need often to recount His blessings.”
— Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 65.

The inspiration teaches that the stones of Gilgal represent the truths and reforms God has given at each stage of His church’s journey. To forget these truths is to lose sight of God’s leadership.

“Every revealed truth is a milestone in the journey to the Kingdom; to ignore or forget it is to wander back into the wilderness.”
— Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 122.

The Spiritual Psychology of Forgetfulness

Biblically, forgetting God is not mere memory lapse—it is spiritual neglect, a willful disregard for divine truth in favor of convenience, conformity, or compromise.

Judges 8:34 — They “remembered not the Lord their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies.” Forgetting is an act of spiritual ingratitude.
Psalm 78:11 — Forgetfulness leads to unbelief, and unbelief to disobedience.

SOP Insight:

“Forgetfulness of God is the sure precursor of apostasy. It leads to pride, self-sufficiency, and final rejection of Heaven’s guidance.”
— Prophets and Kings, p. 297.

Inspiration explains that the forgetfulness of the church today parallels ancient Israel’s:

“They repeat the same history—rejecting reformers and forgetting the divine interventions that gave them light. The stones of truth are still there, but the people pass them by as though they never existed.”
— Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 45, p. 18.

Remembrance: The Antidote to Spiritual Decline

God’s remedy for forgetfulness has always been memorials of grace and divine reminders through His word and ordinances:

1 Corinthians 11:24–25 — “Do this in remembrance of Me.” The Lord’s Supper was instituted so that believers would never forget Christ’s sacrifice.
John 14:26 — The Holy Spirit “will bring to your remembrance all things whatsoever I have said unto you.”
The Spirit functions as the divine memory of the soul, rekindling faith through recall of truth.

SOP Insight:

“The Holy Spirit will revive the past mercies of God, that faith may be renewed and the heart filled with gratitude.”
— The Desire of Ages, p. 668.

The inspiration links remembrance with spiritual progress:

“Those who remember God’s leading are prepared to receive further light; those who forget are left in darkness. The Spirit’s work of remembrance keeps the advancing truth alive in the heart.”
— Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 123.

Prophetic and Practical Applications

Forgetfulness Breeds Apostasy – When God’s people lose sight of His deliverances and truths, they inevitably turn to man-made substitutes—modern Baals of self, pleasure, and false doctrine.
Remembrance Sustains Faith – Rehearsing God’s past leadings keeps the believer’s faith alive and guards against discouragement.
The Holy Spirit Revives Memory – Genuine revival is the Spirit’s act of awakening forgotten truths and experiences of grace.
Teach the Next Generation – As Joshua commanded, every generation must be instructed in the meaning of God’s works lest the chain of truth be broken.
Reform through Remembrance – Modern Israel must remember the foundational truths and prophetic milestones—from the Exodus to the Advent movement to the Rod message—lest history repeat itself.

SOP Insight:

“In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader.”
— Life Sketches, p. 196.

“To forget the providence of God and His progressive truth is to forfeit membership among the living saints who remember His name.”
— Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 124.

Consider the Following

❖The dangers of forgetting

—In setting up the 12 memorial stones at Gilgal , Joshua emphasized two points (Josh. 4:23):

(1)God dried up the Red Sea before us (Joshua, Caleb, and the few who were still alive from the generation that came out of Egypt)

(2)God dried up the Jordan River before you (the new generation born in the desert, and destined to conquer Canaan)

—The new generation was in danger of making the same mistake as their parents: forgetting God's mighty deeds. Unfortunately, they forgot, and they paid the consequences (Judg. 3:7-8).

—How important it is, then, that we keep fresh in our minds how God has cared for our ancestors, and the moments when we have seen with our own eyes the mighty hand of God!

Conclusion

The stones at Gilgal stood as a perpetual warning and witness:

Forgetting God leads to apostasy; remembering Him leads to life.

When the Israelites forgot, they served Baal. When they remembered, they served the Lord.
So it is today—spiritual decline begins when God’s people forget the truths, reforms, and miracles by which He has led them.

The call of the Spirit, therefore, is clear:

“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent” (Revelation 3:3).

To forget is to fall; to remember is to be restored.
As the Spirit revives our memory of God’s leading, may we stand as living memorials of His wonders, bearing witness to the world that “the hand of the Lord is mighty” (Joshua 4:24).

Jordan River Milestones
Thursday - October 16, 2025
Beyond the Jordan
Ps. 66:6; Ps. 114:1-7; 2 Kings 2:6-15; Ps. 66:16-19; 1 Kings 19:21; 2 Kings 2:22; Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:9; Matt. 2:14-16; Matt. 4:2; Hebrews 3-4.

“He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him!” (Psalm 66:6 KJV)

“When the sea saw Israel, it fled, and the Jordan River turned back” (Psalm 114:3 KJV)

The Prophetic Symbolism of the Jordan Crossing

The crossing of the Jordan River was not merely a historical event; it was a prophetic type of spiritual transition — from wandering to inheritance, from probation to possession, from the wilderness of unbelief to the land of promise.

Just as the Red Sea symbolized deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the Jordan represented purification and readiness to enter into God’s covenant kingdom. It marked a separation — a divine line drawn between the generation that perished through unbelief and the purified remnant that entered Canaan.

“The passage of the Jordan by the Israelites was as miraculous as the passage of the Red Sea. It was designed to deepen the impression in the minds of all Israel that the same God who had brought them out of Egypt was still leading them.” — Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 484.

In prophetic application, the Jordan experience typifies the final purification and preparation of God’s church before entering the Kingdom — the antitypical land of promise. The waters of Jordan “turning back” prefigure the removal of obstacles and divine intervention when God’s people are sanctified and fully trust in Him.

“The purification of the church is not a work of outward show but of inward cleansing. Only those who overcome shall enter the land of promise.” — Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 81.

Elijah, Elisha, and the Jordan – The Prophetic Transition of Power

In 2 Kings 2:6–15, Elijah and Elisha’s crossing of the Jordan repeats the typology. When Elijah struck the water with his mantle, it parted, symbolizing divine authority and prophetic succession. The Jordan thus became the place of prophetic transfer, where one ministry ended and another began — from the old to the new, from type to antitype.

Elijah’s translation beyond Jordan prefigured the 144,000 — the living saints who will be translated without tasting death (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 185). Elisha’s reception of a double portion of the Spirit foreshadows the outpouring of the latter rain upon the purified church, enabling the finishing of the gospel work.

“The ‘Elijah’ that is to come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord is to prepare a people to stand during the outpouring of the plagues.” — SRod, Vol. 1, p. 47.

Hence, crossing Jordan prophetically points to the final reformation and spiritual empowerment that separates the faithful from the faithless within the church.

The Jordan in Christ’s Baptism – From Death to Life

When Christ descended into the Jordan River for baptism (Matt. 3:16–17), He sanctified it as the symbol of death to sin and resurrection to newness of life. The heavens opened, and the Spirit descended as a dove — a divine endorsement of His Sonship and mission.

This event connects with the Israelites’ crossing of Jordan, as both represent the beginning of divine mission after consecration. In the antitype, it points to the purified people of God who, having crossed the spiritual Jordan through sanctification, receive the outpouring of the Spirit to finish the work before probation closes.

“Heaven’s approval rested upon Him who was baptized in Jordan, and this scene, repeated in every true baptism, represents the beginning of a new life.” — Desire of Ages, p. 111.

Prophetic Parallels — The Jordan and the Kingdom Church

The Shepherd’s Rod identifies the Jordan experience as symbolic of the church’s purification and the establishment of God’s visible kingdom. The ancient Israelites’ entrance into Canaan typifies the gathering of the purified church into the antitypical Promised Land (SRod, Vol. 1, pp. 36–37; Tract 8, p. 24).

“Just as the Israelites crossed the Jordan to enter the land of promise, so God’s purified people will soon cross the figurative Jordan to enter the Kingdom—the beginning of the eternal inheritance.” — Tract 8, p. 24.

Thus, the Jordan becomes a boundary line between the church militant and the church triumphant. Those who, through faith and sanctification, stand firm when the test of purification comes, will cross over and rejoice in God’s victory.

The Lesson of Faith and Fear

Psalm 114 poetically says, “The sea saw and fled, Jordan was driven back.” The forces of nature obeyed the Creator at the command of faith. Likewise, in the last days, all obstacles—political, ecclesiastical, or spiritual—will “flee” before the faithful who march under the banner of Christ’s righteousness.

“Faith will enable its possessor to look beyond the present, with its trials and discouragements, to the great hereafter, where all that now perplexes shall be made plain.” — Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 53.

Final Application — Our Jordan Experience

The “Jordan” for God’s people today represents the final purification and testing that precedes entrance into the kingdom. Like Israel of old, the church stands on the border of Canaan — not a temporal land, but the antitypical Kingdom of glory to be established before the second coming (Dan. 2:44; Mic. 4:1–2).

Before crossing, each soul must consecrate himself anew; every idol must be cast aside; and complete faith in the living God must be exercised. Only then will the “waters roll back,” and the way to the Kingdom be opened.

“Only those who sigh and cry for the abominations in the church will receive the mark of deliverance and cross over to safety.” — SRod, Vol. 1, p. 38.

Consider the Following
Jordan River Milestones

❖The crossing of the Red Sea and the Jordan are two historical events that have become intertwined as milestones in the history of redemption (Ps. 66:6; Ps. 114). Together, they mark our liberation from sin and our access to eternal life.

❖Miraculously crossing the Jordan River and being brought into the very presence of God was a reality for Elijah (2 Kings 2:1, 7, 8, 11).

❖For Elisha, however, the same event was a sign of the reception of the Holy Spirit, which enabled him to fulfill his mission (2 Kings 2:14-15).

❖Entering the waters of the Jordan had the same effect on Jesus, who was empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill his mission: to free us from sin and give us eternal life (Mark 1:9-11; John 1:29; 3:16).

Concluding Prophetic Thought

As the Israelites crossed the Jordan and set up memorial stones to testify of God’s power, so the purified remnant will one day look back upon their own Jordan experience and declare:

“He turned the sea into dry land; we went through the river on foot; there did we rejoice in Him!” (Psalm 66:6).

This joy is the song of the redeemed — the 144,000 who stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion, having passed through tribulation and entered the everlasting covenant of peace.

Summary Thought:

The Jordan River marks the transition from profession to possession, from cleansing to coronation, from test to triumph. To go beyond the Jordan is to enter by faith into the promised Kingdom — purified, Spirit-filled, and victorious under the banner of the living God of wonders.

Friday – October 17, 2025

Further Prophetic Insights and Study

Theme: From the Jordan to the Kingdom: The Prophetic Path of Purification, Remembrance, and Power.

The Jordan Experience as a Type of the Final Purification

The crossing of the Jordan River is not merely a story of deliverance; it is a living prophecy of God’s plan for His end-time church. In type, ancient Israel stood at the borders of Canaan; in antitype, modern Israel—the Seventh-day Adventist Church—stands at the borders of the heavenly and earthly kingdom of glory.

Before they crossed, the command was clear:

“Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” – Joshua 3:5.

This sanctification prefigures the final purification of the church—the separation between the faithful and the unfaithful within spiritual Israel (Ezek. 9; Matt. 13:47–49).

“The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out.” – Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 380.

The Shepherd’s Rod expands this prophetic truth:

“The purification of the church takes place before the close of probation, before the Loud Cry, before the kingdom is established.” – SRod, Vol. 2, p. 185.

Thus, the “Jordan” symbolizes the boundary between the church militant and the church purified—a crossing that will be marked by divine judgment and deliverance.

The Ark in the Midst of Jordan – Christ’s Mediation in the Crisis

As the priests bearing the Ark stood firm in the Jordan until all Israel passed over (Josh. 3:17), so Christ, our High Priest, stands in the gap between mercy and justice, holding back the floods of destruction until His people are sealed.

“The Ark represents Christ, our great High Priest, who stands between the living and the dead, holding back the judgments that justice demands.” – SRod, Vol. 1, p. 37.

The Jordan’s “waters rolled back” because the Ark went before them. Likewise, the final deliverance will come only as God’s people follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Rev. 14:4). The priesthood, standing still in the midst of Jordan, typifies the leadership of the purified ministry who, anointed with divine authority, lead the faithful across into the Kingdom.

The Stones of Remembrance – Memorials of Grace and Covenant Continuity

Joshua’s command to set up twelve stones from the midst of Jordan (Josh. 4:6–7) signified a perpetual testimony of divine deliverance. In prophetic light, these stones represent the living testimonies—the purified people themselves—who will serve as witnesses to God’s power in the final generation.

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood…” – 1 Peter 2:5.

Ellen White amplifies this truth:

“The Lord has His memorials and tokens of His truth and power in every age. These memorials are to remind the people that His word stands sure.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 485.

The Inspiration identifies the antitypical stones as those sealed and set apart for service in the final reformatory work—a living memorial of God’s covenant faithfulness.

“Those who survive the purification will be the first fruits, the antitypical twelve tribes, the living stones that form the foundation of the Kingdom church.” – Tract No. 8, p. 24.

The Danger of Forgetting – Spiritual Amnesia in the Last Days

Israel’s repeated failure was not ignorance, but forgetfulness—forgetting the God of their deliverance (Judg. 3:7). The same danger faces the Laodicean church, which says, “I am rich, and increased with goods,” yet forgets her true condition (Rev. 3:17).

“Forgetfulness of God’s dealings leads to rebellion and apostasy. Only by keeping His past mercies in view can we be preserved from self-sufficiency.” – Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 367.

The Jordan memorial stones, therefore, serve as a warning to the remnant people of God: to remember their calling, their covenant, and the coming Kingdom. The message of reform—the Rod message—is itself a memorial of grace, calling modern Israel to remembrance before the final crossing.

“This message shall cause the shaking, and only those who take heed to the warning will stand.” – SRod, Vol. 1, p. 234.

Beyond the Jordan – The Establishment of the Kingdom

Prophetically, “beyond the Jordan” represents the establishment of the Kingdom of Peace—the restored theocracy under the rule of Christ (Mic. 4:1–4; Dan. 2:44). Just as Joshua (a type of Jesus) led ancient Israel into the Promised Land, so Christ, through the antitypical Joshua message, leads His purified people into the Kingdom before His second coming.

“In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.” – Daniel 2:44.

“The purification of the church results in the establishment of the Kingdom on earth, before the close of probation.” – SRod, Vol. 2, p. 185.

Ellen White confirms this sequence:

“The message of the sealing of the 144,000 will separate the wheat from the tares in the church.” – Early Writings, p. 270.

The Jordan, therefore, is not only a river of testing but the gateway to the millennial Kingdom, where the purified church (the first fruits) will give the Loud Cry to the nations still in Babylon (Rev. 18:1–4).

Practical Prophetic Application

The Jordan narrative teaches three great lessons for the remnant church today:

Sanctify Yourselves (Joshua 3:5) – Personal holiness and reform precede collective deliverance.
Follow the Ark (Joshua 3:6) – Christ’s leadership through His present truth must guide every step.
Set up Memorial Stones (Joshua 4:7) – Record and testify of God’s past mercies to strengthen future faith.

“Before we can pass over the Jordan, self must die, sin must be confessed, and hearts must be united in the bond of truth and love.” – Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 83.

The Final Reflection: The Living God Still Works Wonders

As the lesson began with “The Living God of Wonders” (Josh. 3:10), it ends with the assurance that the same God who opened the Jordan will open the way for His faithful today.

His purpose is unchanged: to purify, empower, and establish His people as a light to all nations before the end comes.

“The same God who led Israel by the pillar of cloud and fire will manifest His power in behalf of His people today, if they will walk in obedience to His word.” – Prophets and Kings, p. 260.

The Inspiration concludes:

“The antitypical Jordan crossing will soon take place. Those who now prepare in faith and holiness will cross over into the Kingdom, while those who refuse reproof will perish in the wilderness of unbelief.” – Tract No. 8, p. 25.

Summary Thought:

The Jordan stands before us still. Its waters—symbolizing trials, tests, and purification—will part only for those who are consecrated, faithful, and following the Ark of God’s presence. Beyond that Jordan lies the Kingdom—the triumph of the purified church and the fulfillment of every divine promise.

As we stand on its banks in prophetic time, the call still sounds:

“Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Joshua 3:5)

From the Pen of Inspiration

“Let us then remember the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the multitude of His tender mercies. Like the people of Israel, let us set up our stones of witness, and inscribe upon them the precious story of what God has wrought for us. And as we review His dealings with us in our pilgrimage, let us, out of hearts melted with gratitude, declare, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people." Psalm 116:12-14” EGW (The Desire of Ages, p. 348)

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