How can Joshua 4:6 inspire us to share testimonies of God's power today? Key verse “so that this would be a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’” (Joshua 4:6) Why God Told Israel to Stack Stones - The stones marked a specific, miraculous intervention—God stopped the Jordan (Joshua 4:7). - They served as a visible, conversation-starting memorial. - Each stone was carried personally, tying every tribe to the testimony (Joshua 4:5). Lessons for Our Testimonies Today - Tangible reminders still speak. Photos, journals, highlighted verses, even calendar anniversaries function like those stones. - God’s power deserves more than private appreciation; memorials invite questions that open gospel conversations (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). - Testimonies guard against forgetfulness, one of Scripture’s recurring warnings (Deuteronomy 4:9; Psalm 78:11). When Children Ask - Expect and welcome curiosity. God designed remembrance to spark it. - Share the story repeatedly; repetition engraves truth on young hearts (Psalm 145:4). - Link past deliverance to present obedience: “The God who brought us through then is faithful now.” Ripple Effect of Shared Stories - They strengthen fellow believers (Revelation 12:11). - They draw outsiders, just as the healed man of Mark 5:19 “proclaimed…how much Jesus had done,” and “all the people were amazed.” - One testimony often multiplies: the Samaritan woman’s account led “many Samaritans…to believe because of her testimony” (John 4:39). Practical Ways to Set Up Modern “Stones” - Write a one-page salvation or deliverance story; email it to a friend who needs hope. - Keep a “God’s deeds” notebook; review it aloud at family meals. - Record a short video after answered prayer; post with a verse. - Celebrate spiritual birthdays and milestone moments as intentionally as physical birthdays. Pointing Beyond the Stones The memorial at the Jordan ultimately foreshadowed a greater salvation. Jesus, the true and better Joshua, leads His people through the waters of judgment into promised rest. Every testimony should lift eyes to Him (Hebrews 4:8-9). Moving Forward - Identify one recent work of God you haven’t shared. - Choose a tangible way to memorialize it this week. - Tell at least one person the story, expecting God to use their “What do these stones mean to you?” moment to display His power again. |
    |