Joshua 4:14–24

14 On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.

15 And the Lord spake unto Joshua, saying,

16 Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.

17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.

18 And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.

19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.

20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.

21 And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?

22 Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.

23 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:

24 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.

Conclusion

A. Memory by Monuments

     We create monuments of various sorts to commemorate significant leaders, historical events, and consequential actions. But how often do we build memorials to celebrate God’s work?

     Scripture provides several examples of God’s people constructing memorials to remember and celebrate God’s work. These memorials come in different forms, including physical structures (example: Genesis 28:18–22), sacred ceremonies (example: Exodus 12:14), and specific days of observance (example: 20:8–11). Despite such differences, these memorials serve a common purpose: to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness.

     One of Joshua’s first actions as leader was to institute the memorial at Gilgal. Before the people went further into the land, they collectively paused to ensure remembrance of the Lord’s providing a way to cross the Jordan River.

     Think about that sequence: (1) God provides, then (2) the people ensure remembrance, then (3) the people move on. Do we follow that same pattern, or do we skip step 2?

     If we pay attention to God’s work, we will find moments where He has provided for us. When we notice God’s work, we can build our own memorials to God’s work. Although we may not construct a stone monument, other ways exist to remember and celebrate God’s work and faithfulness.

 

What Do You Think?

What memorial can you create to remember and celebrate God’s work?

Digging Deeper

In what ways do the practice of baptism and the observance of the Lord’s Supper serve as such memorials?

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B. Prayer

    Lord God, You have done mighty works for Your people, culminating in Your saving acts through Jesus Christ. Strengthen our resolve to remember these acts so that we can fully understand and celebrate Your steadfast faithfulness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

C. Thought to Remember

Create reminders of God’s steadfast faithfulness!

 

Key Text

When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.  —  Joshua 4:21b-22

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Questions

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1. Where did Joshua set up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River? (Jericho, Gibeon, Gilgal) Joshua 4:20

2.  The memorial of stones reminded the people that “the hand of the Lord” is _____. 2Joshua 4:24