When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.”
For Reflection:
God’s word encourages us time and again to remember God's love, presence, power, His word. In this passage, God has just brought the Israelites across the Jordan River closer to the promised land. He then gives specific instructions to gather rocks from the temporarily-dry riverbed to be placed on the other side--that they and all future generations could revisit and remember God's power, faithfulness, and presence. They would serve as a reminder of how He provided and worked in and through His people - all 12 tribes of Israel crossed the Jordan, walking past the Ark of the Covenant. His complete provision. I am struck by the fact that this passage comes before the battle of Jericho.
I reflect on the challenges I am facing and bring them to God in prayer. Am I in need of courage, wisdom, His provision? Something else?
God knew then and knows now that there will be times in our lives when we face challenges, when life presses, when our strength, courage, and faith may waiver. Notice how God instructs them to create this memorial, for remembrance for them and future generations. Revisiting the miraculous parting of the Jordan, with the powerful river in full view, reminds them (and us) of God's power, His faithfulness to His promises, empowers them forward. He helps prepare us for life’s challenges, to persevere in strength and courage, by encouraging us to stop and acknowledge His moves along the way through physical reminders and in our hearts, as evidence of His past provision, power, faithfulness and goodness.
I see the example in this passage. I notice where I need His encouragement in my life. I remember His presence, goodness and faithfulness—how made a way for the Israelites through the Jordan and ultimately into Jericho, His way. I ask Him to help me remember and revisit another time – in my life or His word, and help me to trust that He is making a way for me too, whether or not I can see it right now.
Let us pray:
Gracious God, you are holy, powerful, and so good to us. We thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you for your word that provides stories and promises that we can revisit time and again to know you, remember your faithfulness, goodness, the abundance of your mercy and love. Lord, you know the season I am in. I hold before you my situation and concerns. (Pause to share these with Him). Thank you that you see me, that you understand. That you remain with me. I will remember. Lord, would you call to mind ways I have seen you show up and provide - in the Bible and in my life. I breathe with you as I remember. Would you fill me with your peace, speak wisdom to my mind and heart, and strengthen and encourage me to walk through this day trusting and revisiting you, remaining in you. I love you with my whole heart. Thank you for loving me even more. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
I wonder...
Do I think I think I need to muster strength and courage and figure things out on my own?
I wonder what God wants me to remember?