Joshua 4:20-24 “And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up in Gilgal. Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: ‘When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What are these stones? then you shall let your children know, saying, Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land;’ for the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up before us until we had crossed over, that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”
Memorials serve as a powerful way to remember important events in our lives, and in the lives of those before us. In Genesis 28, Jacob sets up a stone as a pillar and pours oil on it, naming the place Bethel as a reminder of God's promises to him. Similarly, in Joshua 3, the Israelites create a memorial to commemorate God's miracle of parting the Jordan River, allowing them to cross on dry land.
As believers, we too should consider what memorials we have set up in our own lives to remember God's faithfulness and provision. Perhaps it's a simple reminder on our phone or a daily journal entry. Whatever the form, let us purposefully create memorials that not only prompt the curiosity of others but also remind us of the goodness of God and the power of his love.
What reminders do you have in your life today of the love and faithfulness of Jesus? What can you remind your children of his mercy and grace?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness throughout the generations. Help me not to “just hang a cross,” but to be aware of the sacrifice and love that you poured out for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.