Memorials Are Important to the Lord!
Good Morning My Loves, I’m now studying the book of Joshua, and today’s passage (Joshua 4) talks about how the Lord instructed Joshua to create a visible “memorial” with twelve rocks from the Jordan River. He had just miraculously caused the water to stop flowing so thousands could go into the promised land on dry ground, and the water was still being held back. In other words, God said, “Here in this exact spot where My presence is and this miracle is taking place, I want you to stop and take some time to create a memorial. Before you move forward into what I have promised you, I want you to remember this. I want you to never forget what happened here when you followed My instructions, carried My presence into an impossible situation, and experienced My miraculous power on your behalf!” God wanted the future generations to have something to look at and remember what God did for their family as well. Seeing the stones would peak their interest, and when they said, “Hey Dad, why are those rocks all piled up there?” Their parents could say, “Son, let me tell you the story of God’s love and delivering power for our family.”
5 and Joshua said to them, “Cross over again to the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel,6 so that this may be a sign among you; when your children ask later, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7 then you shall say to them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall become a memorial for Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:6-7 AM) We are entering into “Memorial Day” weekend where our nation sets aside a day to remember the military men and women who have given their lives to serve and protect our country. We never want what they have done to be forgotten. In the same way, we never want what God has done in our lives to be forgotten either. It is so important to set aside times to remember and celebrate those things that God has done in our lives. Those things that have brought us to where we are today. We must never forget how He brought us out of bondage, gave us a brand new life, a hope and a future.
By setting aside time to faithfully attend church, participate in communion and prayer, celebrate our Lord’s birth, death, and resurrection, we’re saying, “God I remember your sacrifice. I remember and value what You’ve done in my life. I also know that if you brought my family through hardship, and have delivered me in the past, there is nothing in my future that you cannot handle either!” Remembering what our Lord has done is very important to Him. He wants us to remember His mighty acts on our behalf, so that we'll maintain reverence for Him, and have the faith for future victories.
So let’s create our own memorials, and let’s never forget. Let’s pass on the stories of His love, faithfulness, power, deliverance, and favor, to the next generation!
I love you all! PV
