In what ways can we teach future generations about God's mighty works? Anchored in Joshua 4:23 “For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over.” The Call to Remember • Joshua directed the Israelites to set up twelve stones so their children would ask, “What do these stones mean?” (Joshua 4:6–7). • The pattern goes back to God’s earlier command: “Remember this day on which you came out of Egypt.” (Exodus 13:3). • Scripture insists that remembering leads naturally to retelling. Psalm 78:4 puts it plainly: “We will not hide them from their children; we will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD, His power, and the wonders He has performed.” Why It Matters • The faithfulness of God in the past anchors trust for the future. • Memorials and stories guard against forgetfulness (Judges 2:10). • Each generation inherits both the testimony and the responsibility: “One generation will declare Your works to the next.” (Psalm 145:4) Practical Ways to Teach God’s Mighty Works • Tell the story—often. – Family Bible time that walks through the Exodus, the Jordan crossing, the Cross, and the empty tomb. – Use simple, vivid language so children see themselves in the story. • Build visible memorials. – A framed verse by the doorway (Deuteronomy 6:9). – Vacation photos that recall answered prayer or mission trips, labeled with a verse. • Tie teaching to everyday rhythms. – Mealtime: recount an answered prayer before giving thanks. – Bedtime: end the day with a short “God sighting” recap. • Celebrate God’s interventions. – Keep a family “Jordan Stones” journal of God’s provisions, healings, salvations. – Re-read entries each year on the anniversary of key events. • Use reenactments and object lessons. – Act out the Jordan crossing with toy figures and a blue sheet turned into “dry land.” – Bake unleavened bread during Passover week and explain Exodus 12:26-27. • Share personal testimonies. – Parents and grandparents describe how God rescued, provided, or guided them. – Invite trusted church members to tell their stories, echoing Joel 1:3. • Sing the truth. – Songs embed doctrine; teach hymns and Psalms that recount His deeds (Psalm 105). • Connect every story to Christ. – The parted Jordan points forward to the opened tomb. – Emphasize that the same Lord who held back the waters now grants new life (Romans 6:4). Living the Legacy Remembering is more than nostalgia; it is obedience. As we retell God’s mighty works, we pass on a living faith, equipping the next generation to step into their own Jordan moments with courage and conviction. |
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