What does Joshua 4:7 teach about the importance of remembering God's miracles? The Text at a Glance “ ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When the ark passed over the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.” (Joshua 4:7) Context: Stones by the Jordan • Israel has just crossed the Jordan on dry ground—an unmistakable, public miracle. • Twelve stones, one for each tribe, are taken from the riverbed and set up at Gilgal. • The stones are intentionally positioned where future generations will see them and ask, “What do these stones mean to you?” (Joshua 4:6). Why Remember? Four Key Reasons 1. Guard Against Forgetfulness • Human hearts drift quickly. Deuteronomy 6:12 warns, “Be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Tangible memorials anchor memory. 2. Pass the Testimony Forward • Joshua 4:7 assumes children will ask. Testimony grows when stories are retold, ensuring that “all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD” (Joshua 4:24). 3. Fuel Ongoing Faith and Courage • Yesterday’s miracle is today’s motivation. If God parted water once, He can conquer Canaan’s giants next. Psalm 103:2: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits.” 4. Give God Public Glory • Stones didn’t honor Joshua; they honored the LORD. Remembering miracles redirects worship away from self-reliance toward reverent gratitude (Psalm 115:1). Patterns of Remembrance across Scripture • Passover – “This day is to be a memorial for you” (Exodus 12:14). • Samuel’s Ebenezer Stone – “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). • The Psalms – “We will not hide them from their children; we will recount… His wondrous works” (Psalm 78:4). • The Lord’s Supper – “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). • Peter’s Final Letters – “I will always remind you… to stir you to wholesome thinking” (2 Peter 1:12-15). Practical Takeaways for Today • Keep a written record of answered prayers and providences; revisit it often. • Celebrate spiritual anniversaries (salvation, baptism, deliverance) just as Israel celebrated Passover. • Incorporate testimonies into family gatherings and church services, normalizing gratitude. • Place visual reminders in your home—scripture art, a baptism photo, mission trip souvenirs—to spark conversation. • Sing songs that recount God’s acts (“Come Thou Fount,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”), reinforcing memory through worship. Nurturing a Culture of Memory in the Home and Church • Read biblical miracle accounts aloud, emphasizing God’s unchanging character (Hebrews 13:8). • Invite older believers to share stories with younger generations, bridging gaps like Israel’s elders did for their children. • In times of crisis, rehearse past deliverances aloud; faith rises when history is recalled. • Teach children to identify “God-moments” each day, cultivating eyes that watch for His hand. Joshua 4:7 shows that remembering isn’t sentimental nostalgia; it is a God-ordained strategy for faith, obedience, and witness. Memorial stones—whether literal rocks or modern reminders—keep miracles alive in collective memory, ensuring that God’s mighty acts are never forgotten and His name continues to be exalted. |
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