How can we teach future generations about God's faithfulness using tangible symbols? Setting the Scene “and command them, ‘Take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet are standing, carry them over with you, and set them down in the place where you will spend the night.’ ” (Joshua 4:3) Israel had just walked through the Jordan on dry ground. The Lord wanted that miracle preserved in memory, so He ordered twelve hefty reminders—one stone for each tribe—stacked where everyone could see them. Those rocks became a silent sermon for every child who would later ask, “What do these stones mean?” Why Stones? • They last. Long after stories fade or witnesses pass away, stones stay put. • They are public. Anyone traveling that road could pause, touch, and remember. • They are simple. No one needed special training to grasp the point: “God brought us through here.” Principles for Today 1. Tangible objects anchor truth in the senses. 2. God approves of physical memorials when they direct attention to His acts, not to human achievement. 3. Each generation inherits the duty to explain the symbol’s meaning to the next. Supporting Passages • Exodus 12:24–27 — The Passover meal: “When your children ask you… you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice…’” • Deuteronomy 6:6–9 — Words written on doorposts and gates keep His commands in daily view. • 1 Samuel 7:12 — Samuel sets up an Ebenezer stone: “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” • Psalm 78:4–7 — “We will not hide them from their children… so that they might set their hope in God.” • 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 — The Lord’s Supper: bread and cup proclaim His death “until He comes.” Practical Ideas for Families and Churches • Create a “faith timeline” wall with photos, dates, and brief captions of answered prayers. • Celebrate anniversaries of God’s deliverance (healing, provision, salvation) with a special meal and a displayed object from that event (hospital bracelet, paid-off loan statement, etc.). • Plant a tree or place a garden stone engraved with a key verse where children can revisit the story. • Incorporate symbols into lessons: a small river rock in each child’s pocket while recounting Joshua 4; break bread while retelling the Last Supper. • Keep a communal “God’s Faithfulness Jar.” Drop written testimonies inside; read them aloud at year’s end. • Mark baptisms with a framed verse and date hung in the child’s room. Passing the Baton Twelve stones on a riverbank proved that God keeps His promises. He still invites us to stack our own “stones”—photographs, milestones, dedicated objects—that speak louder than lectures. When a curious youngster asks, “What does this mean?” we get the joy of answering, “Let me tell you how faithful God has been.” |
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