I REMEMBER. We’re always supposed to remember,
right? Lest we forget. Of course, some things are better off
forgotten, at least as much as is humanly possible! But today we’re talking about
remembering. I think about the account
of the people of Israel crossing the river Jordan as recorded in Joshua chapter
4. What an amazing thing occurred when
they obeyed God’s instructions. In what
was a flood-stage rushing body of water, God held it up so it became hostage at
the first step of obedience. At the very
moment the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant touched the
edge of the water, walls of flowing water stood at full attention quite some
distance away. And as long as the
priests who carried the ark “stood firm on dry ground” – the entire nation of
people crossed over – also on dry ground.
Miraculous! Memorable! And God, not wanting His people to forget
what had just happened, waited until the last person had crossed the river and
stepped on grassy soil. Then He asked
something of Joshua: he was to choose
twelve men, one from each tribe, and they were to gather twelve stones from the
middle of the Jordan to take to the place where they would spend the night and
place them there. Calling the twelve men
together, he instructed them to do as God had said, and they went back to the
spot where the ark of the Lord was in the middle of the Jordan and they each
chose a stone and placed it on their shoulders to carry it back. Joshua passed on God’s purpose for these
stones, “ … to serve as a sign among you.”
Then he went on, “In the future when your children ask you, ‘What do
these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before
the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the
people of Israel forever.” And so these stones
that had been in the middle of the river where the ark had stood, were placed
in their camp. A few verses later,
scripture tells us, “And they are there to this day.” Wow!
What a memorial to help them remember.
Just stones, yes. But because the
meaning was passed down from generation to generation … we will always
remember! I couldn’t help but personalize
those stones into the flood-stage experiences of our lives. And somehow I almost wished that I had stones
set aside in some special place that I could show to our children and
grandchildren, helping them remember the miracles … and the memories of each
one. Well, I have no stones that have
been placed anywhere in our home. But I
hope and pray that I have related frequently enough the stories of God’s
miraculous intervention, protection, deliverance, provision, healing, strength,
peace, blessings and favor … that they will remember – always. I pray that their recollection of memorable
God-events will be cause for praise and celebration over and over. I pray these experiences will become
memorials to remember and pass on down to the next generation … and the
next. Lives spared - and limbs
saved. Miraculously. Things lost and ripped away – and then
restored again. Memorably! Circumstances meant for harm – and turned
into amazing opportunities to glorify our Lord God. Unforgettable! Stricken with sickness – and being gifted
with healing! Divinely delivered! Weakness
that leaves us at a disadvantage – and the angelic delivery of God’s
strength. Amazing infusion! Put those “stones” all together and you’ll
see a memorial of gratitude that we’ll remember for all the day of our
lives! What are YOU remembering?
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
HAPPY, Happy 4TH Birthday to our little grandson,
Miles on May 23rd! And CONGRATULATIONS to two of our graduating grandsons:
Isaiah – from Kindergarten, and Wade – from High School; God’s blessings to
each of you! We love you!
A SPECIAL WELCOME BACK to Justin, and our deepest gratitude to
him for his service to our country!
MON, MAY 28: HAPPY
MEMORIAL DAY to all as we honor those gone on before and those who defend our
freedom here and around the world! May
God bless our military personnel with divine protection! Remember to hold them up in daily prayer!
MAY 31-JUN 02: JOYCE
MEYER CONFERENCE sessions at the Target Center; check the dates/times and plan
to car-pool to the Cities for an incredible blessing from the Lord!
JUN 03: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP
& PRAISE with Part 2 of the PASSION FOR MISSIONS message – don’t miss it!
REMEMBER . . . “Yes, remember.
And never forget to praise God for all that is past. And trust Him for all that is to come!”
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
