When the whole nation was finally across, God spoke to Joshua: “Select twelve men from the people, a man from each tribe, and tell them, ‘From right here, the middle of the Jordan where the feet of the priests are standing firm, take twelve stones. Carry them across with you and set them down in the place where you camp tonight.’”
Joshua called out the twelve men whom he selected from the People of Israel, one man from each tribe. Joshua directed them, “Cross to the middle of the Jordan and take your place in front of the Chest of God, your God. Each of you heft a stone to your shoulder, a stone for each of the tribes of the People of Israel, so you’ll have something later to mark the occasion. When your children ask you, ‘What are these stones to you?’ you’ll say, ‘The flow of the Jordan was stopped in front of the Chest of the Covenant of God as it crossed the Jordan—stopped in its tracks. These stones are a permanent memorial for the People of Israel.’”
For Reflection:
Throughout the Old Testament, we see the goodness of God being recorded with a stone memorial of some kind; when crossing the Jordan, Moses after receiving the 10 commandments, Jacob after a powerful dream, and Joshua with the renewal of a covenant. In step with what God spoke to him, Moses even told Aaron to put some manna in a jar to remember the way God provided for them in the wilderness. We return to Joshua 4 today and focus in on how God instructs them in the first few verses, how we might live this out today.
Last year I was on a hike (more like a meander) with dear friends, where the trees were plenty, the air was rich with the scent of fresh earth and damp leaves, and we followed along a winding river enjoying the sound of the rushing water. We stopped just before the top, and sat on a few fallen trees just beside the flowing waters. Breathing in the freshest air, with the sound of rushing water below, we paused to embrace the presence of God. My friend suggested we build a blessing memorial to God. We each took turns sharing our stories, as our rocks piled up with words like comforter, healer, ever-present, and Joy-giver. As we took turns remembering God I felt as though we had entered holy space, if it was any warmer I would have shed my shoes and honored the space in that way too.
God wants us to record His love, to be refreshed and renew as we remember over and over again the ways he provided for us. Maybe you don’t have a pile of rocks handy, but maybe a journal…why not open it and fill the pages with gratitude, experiences with prayers, moments when God used a friend or family member to remind you of His sweet love. Record and remember.
Whenever I read through my old journals, I’m thankful for the memories preserved on the pages. The record of what happened, where I saw God at work, and an answered prayer. I always wonder, if these moments were not recorded, would I have remembered?
1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to be prepared to give the reason for the hope that you have. Let's continue to define this hope for ourselves and others by recording the ways God shows up for us, reveals new insights while we read His word, and reminds us of His love, mercy and grace afresh each day.
Let us pray:
God, thank you for the gift of your word that demonstrates your love for us. Will you remind us to record the glimpses of your goodness, mercy, and love in our lives? Thank you for loving us. Amen.
I wonder what your memorial to God would recount?
If we were to stop and record the stories of God, what stories would they tell?
I wonder what is the next small step in Abiding that I can take today?