“And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, ‘When your children ask their fathers in times to come, “What do these stones mean?” then you shall let your children know, “Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.” For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.’ ” (v20-24)
While the Jordan was still held at bay, one man from each of the twelve tribes (at God’s/Joshua’s command) retrieved a stone from the middle of the dry river and Joshua erected them as a monument in the place they came ashore. The whole point of these stones was that all who saw them would ask of their significance, and a parent/elder would then be able to explain God’s mighty works.
What “monuments” do we have in our lives that remind us and our future generations of God’s might, so we may fear Him forever? Perhaps we have photographs or mementos of important occasions. Perhaps we have a plaque or a baptism certificate. Perhaps we have an heirloom or a powerful story.
Perhaps our “monument” is not something tangible. I heard a story yesterday of someone who got involved in serving the less fortunate people of this city because they grew up watching their parents serve. What Christlike practices have we built into our lives that will show the next generation what it means to honor and obey God?
My challenge for today is to take inventory of our practices and monuments to see if any of them bring attention to the glory and power of God. If none of them do, or if the Spirit prompts that there is something more we should be doing, then let’s prayerfully examine how we can better serve God by pointing the next generation toward Him.
Father God, Almighty Lord of heaven and earth, holy is Your name. We honor and fear You, and we ask for Your help in raising up another generation who would do the same. We know from the Bible’s history that entire nations can turn from You in one generation, and it usually takes several generations before they return. Please help us to maintain the Christ-honoring traditions of our forefathers so our descendants (both blood and spiritual) will learn of and honor their spiritual heritage. In the powerful name of Jesus, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training