Father Mike Schmitz hosts this Bible in a Year podcast episode, reading from the Revised Standard Version using the Great Adventure Bible timeline. This marks day 81 and the beginning of the Conquest and Judges period.

The episode covers Joshua chapters 1-4, chronicling the transition from Moses' leadership to Joshua's as the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Father Mike also leads prayer through Psalm 123, focusing on themes of divine mercy and dependence on God.

God's Commission and Promise to Joshua

God establishes Joshua as Moses' successor with the promise "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you or forsake you."

The divine command "Be strong and of good courage" appears repeatedly, emphasizing that courage comes from God's presence rather than human strength.

Joshua must meditate on God's law "day and night" to ensure prosperity and success in leading Israel into the Promised Land.

Rahab's Protection of the Israelite Spies

Two spies lodge with Rahab the harlot in Jericho, who hides them from the king's search and helps them escape through her window.

Rahab declares "I know that the Lord has given you the land" and requests protection for her family in exchange for her kindness.

The scarlet cord becomes the sign of protection - Rahab must bind it in her window to ensure her household's safety during the conquest.

Miraculous Jordan River Crossing

The Ark of the Covenant leads the crossing, with priests standing in the riverbed while "the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in one heap."

All Israel crosses on dry ground, paralleling their parents' Red Sea experience but giving this generation their own miracle to remember.

About 40,000 armed warriors from Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh cross first to help their fellow tribes conquer the land.

Memorial Stones as Permanent Reminders

Twelve stones taken from the Jordan's center create a memorial at Gilgal, ensuring future generations remember God's miraculous intervention.

"When your children ask in time to come, what do these stones mean to you?" - the memorial serves as a teaching tool for passing faith to the next generation.

Father Mike encourages writing down spiritual insights as personal memorial stones: "capture them down somewhere that you can always come back to them because it's so easy to forget."