Text: Joshua 4:1-10
Memory Verse: “Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day” (Joshua 4:9).
Religious festivals often serve to commemorate significant historical events where God intervened to help His people. Essentially, worship or thanksgiving becomes an act of remembering God’s past acts of kindness and deliverance. The memorial stones in the Jordan River held similar significance, serving as a reminder of the day God freed the Israelites from bondage and intervened in their lives. The Israelites were instructed to remember this moment even after they entered the Promised Land.
After crossing the Jordan River, God commanded them to build a memorial using 12 stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. This was a symbol that it was God, not their own power, guiding and protecting them. The stones reminded them to continually rely on God as they faced the challenges of conquering the Promised Land. The memorial stones also served as a teaching tool for future generations. As children saw the stones, they would hear the stories of God’s deeds from their parents, learning about His faithfulness.
The lesson is clear: you must always recall God’s interventions in your life. When you reflect on His past deliverances, it strengthens your faith and encourages you to trust Him in future challenges. Similarly, you should establish traditions to commemorate God’s works in your life, passing them on to your children. These moments of remembrance serve as valuable lessons, inspiring future generations to trust in and depend on God.
If God has acted in your favour before, He can and will do it again, as He is unchanging.
Prayer Points:
1. Holy Spirit, help me to build memorial stones in my life and family.
2. May my children grow to know and love God.