Remembrance

The children ask, “What do these stones mean to you?”

So they hear stories of remembrance. About the journey to the Jordan. 

And the precise moment priests stuck their toes in the river. While carrying the ark of the covenant.

Their elders say the water just stopped. And piled in a heap. During flood season. When the Jordan regularly overflows its banks. 

And then the riverbed lay dry before them. Ready for their crossing.

Joshua

“What do these stones mean to you?”  (Joshua 4:21-22)

They hear how multitudes traveled on the waterless riverbed. To the other side. People, animals, tents, supplies. 

The name of Joshua figures prominently in this story. He’s the one who asked twelve men to go back and pick up one stone each. Out of the middle of the Jordan. Where the priests remained. Holding the ark.

“Each of you lift a stone onto his shoulder, one for each of the Israelite tribes, so that this will be a sign among you” (Joshua 4:5,6).

Shouldered stones. Taken to the campsite. And stacked as a memorial.

Stones of remembrance

“What do these stones mean to you?” 

Remembrance. How the Lord dried up the Jordan as they crossed into the Promised Land. 

Just as He dried up the Red Sea when they came out of Egypt. 

“This is so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord’s hand is mighty and so that you may always fear the Lord your God” (Joshua 4:24).

In remembrance of Me

“What do these mean to you?” As we pass around small cups of grape juice and pieces of bread. 

“Do this in remembrance of Me.”(Luke 22:19)

We tell about the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God. Remembering Christ’s body given. His blood shed. 

We testify to our deliverance from captivity. From slavery to sin and death. 

We remember entry to our promised land. Eternity with Him. Already but not yet. 

Abundant life now. With much more to come.

“What do these mean?”

And we tell stories of His faithfulness on this journey. Through dry wilderness and fruitful harvest.  

We sing and proclaim the unfailing love and mercy of our God. 

“What do these mean to you?”

Everything. For He is worthy. 

Worthy of all glory and honor and praise.

What about you?

Have you recounted stories of His deliverance to a younger generation? Do you repeat to others personal accounts of His faithfulness?

Related posts

Pharaoh – Borders – Everything – empty skies – Shoeless – Entering the land – Makeshift altar – Stones in the river – Remember – Shouts and whispers –