In this chapter, the Lord told Joshua to build a memorial to represent the crossing of the Jordan River. After all the people of Israel were safely across the river, the Lord said, “Now choose twelve men, one from each tribe. Tell the men to take twelve stones from where the priests are standing in the middle of the Jordan and pile them up at the place where you camp tonight.” (Joshua 4:2-3)
Joshua did as the Lord commanded. The men carried out the stones from the middle of the Jordan River, and Joshua said to the people, “We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future, your children will ask, “What do these stones mean to you?” Then you can tell them, “They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s covenant went across.” These stones will stand as a permanent memorial among the people of Israel.” (Joshua 4:6-7) Lord, you are amazing!
The men did as commanded and carried the stones to their campsite where they constructed the memorial. “Joshua also built another memorial of twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, at the place where the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant were standing. The memorial remains there to this day.” (Joshua 4:9) Wow, I would love to see these memorials.
The priests carrying the Ark stood in the middle of the river until all instructions had been carried out. "The Lord had said to Joshua, “Command the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to come up out of the riverbed.” So Joshua gave the command. And as soon as the priests carrying the Ark of the Lord’s covenant came up out of the riverbed, the Jordan River flooded its banks as before." (Joshua 4:15-18) Wow!
The people crossed the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month -- the month that marked their exodus from Egypt. They camped at Gilgal, east of Jericho. It was there at Gilgal that Joshua piled up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, your children will ask, “What do these stones mean?” Then you can tell them, “This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.” For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so that all the nations of the earth might know the power of the Lord, and that you might fear the Lord your God forever.” (Joshua 4:16-24)
That day solidified Joshua’s leadership...for in that event, the Lord made Joshua great in the eyes of all the Israelites. For the rest of his life they revered him as much as they had revered Moses.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Time and time again, you prove your worthiness. What rivers are you drying up for us today? Help us recognize your greatness and the blessings you provide us each and every day! And help us to never take them for granted. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Yes, we serve a mighty God, Val!
Indeed, what rivers are you drying up for us today? Amen, Lan!