Memorial Stones

Years ago, I remember hearing a teaching on the importance of memorial stones in the Bible. One vivid story was from the book of Joshua when he crossed over the Jordan with the people of Israel into the Promised land. It was no small feat for the Jordan was at capacity, swollen with the spring rains. After three days of camping by its banks and watching the river rush past them, Joshua ordered the priests to crossover first with the ark of the covenant. Moments after their feet touched the water and they walked further, the waters of the Jordan stopped flowing and everyone in the camp crossed over. The ark of the covenant, God’s presence, brought them safely to the other shore with Joshua, a type of Jesus, as their leader. When the crossing was completed, Joshua ordered that twelve memorial stones, one from each tribe, be erected to commemorate God’s faithfulness.

            “And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying: “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight’” (Joshua 4:1-4).

What was the purpose of this? So that when others saw the stones, those who crossed over could tell them the miracle that occurred in crossing the rushing waters of the river. The Israelites were to recount the story to their children.

“Then he (Joshua) 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”  (Joshua 4: 21-24).

Not only were the Israelites to remember this, but the stones would be a sign to all people of God’s power and ability to bring his people into the Promised land. So too, we who are God’s chosen people today can trust God to bring us through the rushing waters that threaten to drown us—relationship issues, financial problems, difficulties with children spouses, family, career challenges, etc. And when He does, we also can erect our own memorial stones. How?

I decided one way to remember God’s faithfulness is to create paper stones and write down incidents when God showed his faithfulness to us. Some examples I wrote were: when God helped us to find a little postage size house within our budget, then when He helped us five years later to get the asking price we needed to purchase a different home for our growing family, and when he provided a job for my husband after he left a position for a job that fell through, and how he helped me finally get a teaching job after my three children were in school. I’d slip them into my Bible and from time to time read them over, especially when I faced a disappointment or just needed some encouragement. It's important to remember how God has provided in the past to build your faith for the future and to recount these to your children, so they can know how God has worked in your life.

So, this Memorial Day Weekend, why not try the same activity for yourselves? It’s a blessing to recall the times of God’s provision and very encouraging when you look back during a dark time. Let me know what you think. Enjoy your Memorial Stones! 

For a further study of Joshua 4 see Enduring Word.