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Memorial Stones For Future Generations

The document discusses the importance of raising memorial stones and other symbols to preserve the memory of God's miracles and mercy for future generations. It provides examples from the Bible where memorial stones or other symbols were used, such as the stones Joshua had the Israelites place in the Jordan River after crossing it. These memorials were meant to trigger questions from future generations and allow older generations to recount God's mercy, in order to establish the new generations in faithful obedience to God.

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Daniel Agho
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65 views2 pages

Memorial Stones For Future Generations

The document discusses the importance of raising memorial stones and other symbols to preserve the memory of God's miracles and mercy for future generations. It provides examples from the Bible where memorial stones or other symbols were used, such as the stones Joshua had the Israelites place in the Jordan River after crossing it. These memorials were meant to trigger questions from future generations and allow older generations to recount God's mercy, in order to establish the new generations in faithful obedience to God.

Uploaded by

Daniel Agho
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MEMORIAL STONES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Joshua 4:1-24

It is not sufficient to experience God’s miracles and enjoy His mercies today, we must endeavour to preserve
their memories for future generations.
Like Joshua and Samuel, we must raise up memorial stones for future generations that will serve as visible,
observable reminders of God’s great mercy.
The memorials are to serve as trigger points for questions and then this is to lead to a strategic recounting
of God’s mercy with the ultimate goal of establishing the new generation in faithful walk with the Lord (Psalm
78:6-8).

SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATIONS OF GOD’S MERCY


Joshua 4:1-9,20-24; 24:26,27; 1 Samuel 7:12; Genesis 28:18-23; 31:13,45,49; Deuteronomy 6:20-25; Exodus
12:26,27; Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:15-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

Immediately following the crossing of River Jordan, the children of Israel were to prepare two sets of
memorial stones for future generations. The first set of stones were to be taken out of River Jordan to
represent God’s mercy and help in parting River Jordan. Twelve stones were to be taken, each one
representing each tribe. God was good to every tribe.
The nation as a whole experienced God’s favour. Am I raising memorial stones for future generations ?
The second set of memorial stones were to be placed in River Jordan where the feet of the priests stood.
They were to be evidence that River Jordan indeed parted. The pattern that will be obvious is not that of
stones thrown into the River that will therefore settle down at the bottom of the river in a kind of random
manner. These will be a set pattern.
These two sets of stones – one immediately visible at the camp of Israel, the other not easily visible at the
bottom of River Jordan – were to be physical, visible, observable reminders of God’s mercy.
The Lord definitely pays attention to the memorials we are raising up (Genesis 31:13).
The emblems used in the Lord’s supper are symbolic representations of God’s mercy at Calvary and a
remembrance and celebration of Christ’s vicarious work (Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:15-20; 1 Corinthians
11:23-34).
The Passover was to be preserved and perpetuated as an eternal memorial of God’s deliverance from the
house of bondage (Exodus 12:26,27).
The tables of stones containing the ten commandments and the pot of manna were also symbolic
representations of God’s salvation and sustenance (Deuteronomy 6:20-25).

STRATEGIC RECOUNTING OF GOD’S MERCY


Joshua 3:; 4:6-9,21-24; Deuteronomy 6:20-25; Psalm 44:1-26; 78:3-8; 48:13; 145:4; Isaiah 38:19; Joel 1:3

The visible stones will definitely arouse the curiosity of future generations. This was the exact purpose for
them.
This will prompt the curious to ask “What meaneth ye these stones? Then ye shall answer them ...” (Joshua
3:).
This question then provides an opportunity for the older generation to recount God’s mercy to Israel at the
crossing of River Jordan. The memorial stones were to serve as trigger or catalysts for the strategic
recounting of God’s mercy.
“And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, what mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and
the judgements, which the Lord our God hath commanded you? Then thou shalt say ...” (Deuteronomy
6:20-25).
However the recounting is meant to be more than just a remembering, more than just a calling to mind. It
was to involve a loving reflection of its significance and a corresponding commitment to faithfulness to this
merciful God.
Strategic recounting of God’s mercy is meant to be part of our spiritual lifestyle (Psalm 44:1-26; 78:3-8; 48:13;
145:4; Isaiah 38:19; Joel 1:3). The purpose is to help the new generation to faithfulness (Psalm 78:6-8).

SIGNIFICANT ROLE OF THE GREAT MINISTERS


Joshua 4:1-9,20; 3:12; Numbers 13:1-3; Hebrews 11:32-37; 3:2; Acts 13:36; 1 Corinthians 4:1,2; 2 Corinthians
4:1,2

The twelve men that did the job of taking twelve stones from River Jordan and planting twelve other stones
in River Jordan were previously selected by Joshua, one man from each tribe (Joshua 4:2-9,20; 3:12).
The role of these men was significant. They helped Israel to preserve a special moment in history.
Whenever Israel had to select men, one from each tribe, they always select the best or one of the very best
– a leader, a prince from the tribe like Joshua or Caleb (Numbers 13:1-3).
Although on this occasion, the names of the men were not recorded but their deeds are permanently
documented in the annals of history. Deeds of great men impact history.
Of the heroes of faith, some of them were specifically named, others were included in “prophets” or
immortalised by their deeds.
Whether your name is mentioned or not, let your action and deeds benefit your generation (Hebrews 11:32-
37; Acts 13:36).
The men were faithful to Joshua who appointed them (Joshua 3:12; 4:1-9; Hebrews 3:2; 1 Corinthians 4:1,2;
2 Corinthians 4:1,2).

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