“Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.” Joshua 4:9
This may seem like a strange verse to spend our time looking into, but let’s take a moment to get some context. Moses had led the Israelites out of slavery, through the Red Sea on dry ground, and then they wandered in the desert for 40 years because of their disobedience. Now that generation had all died out and the next generation was ready to enter the promised land. So God commanded the priests who were carrying the ark to enter the Jordan River. As soon as they did, the river was stopped so the people could cross on dry ground, just as their parents had done at the Red Sea. After everyone had crossed, God had them take 12 stones from the river to build an altar as a remembrance of what God had done for them.
Why would God ask them to do that? Did He just want to make sure there was an altar built to Him? Maybe He was afraid they would forget to worship Him unless they had an altar they could see. I don’t think that’s it at all. I don’t think His reasons had anything to do with Him. I think it was because He knows how quickly we forget. In fact, I’m often amazed at what a short memory I have! God does something amazing and I think I’m going to remember it forever. But I don’t. Very quickly, I’m right back to doubting and trying to take back control. God knew that the Israelites were going to need this reminder of what He had done for them.
I have two questions for you. First, what has God done for you? We can think of the big stuff, like our salvation, or creating the world. But what about something specific, something He did just for you? Secondly, what have you done so you won’t forget? What is a memorial you’ve established to remind you of God’s faithfulness? Maybe it’s even something in your home so your kids will ask you what it means. In fact, if you read this story in Joshua, you’ll see that one of God’s reasons for the altar was so their children would ask the meaning of it. Memorial Day is a day to remember the sacrifices all those in our military have made for us. But this year, let’s broaden the meaning a little and see if we can also find ways to memorialize all that our God has done for us.