Two Memorials of Stone are built

Joshua 4:1–14
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of lost loved ones. Memorial Day can be a day when we reflect upon any individual who has had an impact upon our lives, and with this in mind I want to reflect upon and remember how both the Lord and his Son, Jesus Christ, touched our lives. Let us never fail to remember God’s goodness to each of us, for when we fail to remember what God has done for us then we fall astray from the path of righteousness.

We see how God made it possible for each of the twelve tribes of Israel to cross the Jordan River (vv. 1-7). Gathering one stone per tribe from the bottom of the riverbed, making twelve stones in all (vv. 2-3), they took the stones to the bank of the river and laid them down. They did this to show anyone who later passed by that the stones had come from the bottom of the river (vv. 5-6).  Joshua told the Israelites that when people asked about these stones, they were to share with them the story of how God had parted the flooding Jordan and allowed them to cross on dry land (vv. 6-8). These stones served as a living memorial of God’s glory to remind the Israelites of how God cared enough for a lone group of wandering people, that He came into this world and intervened on their behalf. One pile of stones was placed in the middle of the river (v. 9) and the other pile at Gilgal (vv. 19-20). Joshua’s reputation for handling his responsibilities brought him praise (vv. 10-14). The Bible tells us that it is very important to remember all the marvelous things that God has done for us (Deut. 6:12).

Application

The people in Joshua’s day were to focus on the Lord and remember who was guiding them. It is easy for me to become too busy doing my daily tasks and fail to remember that wonderful day when Jesus came into my heart. If I do, I can be sure that I will lose my passion and zeal for God!