A Reminder to Future Generations
June 13, 2019
Commentary
Men are always building monuments to memorialize the achievements of man. But where are the monuments to display the goodness and greatness of God? In this passage we find just such a memorial as it points to the crossing of the multitudes of Israelites as they passed over the dry riverbed of the Jordan when it was at flood stage (vv. 22-24). There is nothing wrong with memorials, provided they don’t become religious idols that turn our hearts from God.
Joshua was told by God to direct 12 previously chosen men to carry 12 stones from the riverbed to Gilgal, which was about 2 miles from Jericho. With these stones they were to build a memorial which would be a vivid reminder of God’s work of deliverance. The real purpose was to remind Israel for generations to come that it was God who brought them over the Jordan River on dry land, just as he had taken their fathers through the Red Sea (v. 23).
In the Jewish home a father was not to send his children to some Levite or religious leader to get his questions answered but was to answer it himself. How much better it would be today if Christian parents would answer the questions of their children instead of sending them to a Sunday School Teacher or Pastor for the answer. Christian parents have no right to forfeit their God given responsibility to teach their children concerning the faithfulness and power of God (Deut. 6:4-9). Is it any wonder that parents who refuse to accept their responsibility are losing their children to the world and the devil?
Application
Just as the Lord gave Israel experiences to look back on that would strengthen their faith in the future, so he wants to do with me. He gives me experiences today that will strengthen my faith when I need it tomorrow.
Joshua 4:15– 24 (NET)
15 The Lord told Joshua, 16 “Instruct the priests carrying the ark of the covenantal laws to come up from the Jordan.” 17 So Joshua instructed the priests, “Come up from the Jordan!” 18 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord came up from the middle of the Jordan, and as soon as they set foot on dry land, the water of the Jordan flowed again and returned to flood stage.
19 The people went up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camped in Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. 20 Now Joshua set up in Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. 21 He told the Israelites, “When your children someday ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones represent?’ 22 explain to your children, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the water of the Jordan before you while you crossed over. It was just like when the Lord your God dried up the Red Sea before us while we crossed it. 24 He has done this so all the nations of the earth might recognize the Lord’s power and so you might always obey the Lord your God.”