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“When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying “What are these stones?” then you shall inform your children saying, “Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.” For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” Joshua 4:21-24

After reading in Exodus about the dramatic and miraculous redemption of the Jewish people out of Egypt, you hit the next four books written by Moses: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.  Amid the laws and lists, there is the often frustrating saga of the desert travels and how the Israelites so quickly forgot the miracles (and the very presence) of the Lord only to whine, grip and complain. We read how when they first got to the Promised Land’s border and 12 spies were sent to scope it all out, that 10 guys came back shaking in their sandals.  Only Joshua and Caleb remembered that this was land promised to them by the Lord – so it already belonged to them.  That’s when their 40 year wandering began, and that entire generation – except Joshua and Caleb – died in the desert as a consequence of their disobedience.

So, I just love the first four chapters of the book of Joshua when it’s time for the next-gen 12 tribes to take what’s theirs under Joshua’s leadership (even though it’s sad that Moses can’t experience this particular victory).  There’s a lot of depth to explore (cue the events with Rahab the harlot and the spies, for instance), but let’s focus on chapters 3 and 4.  It’s time to cross over the Jordan River, and God ends the Israelites’ Exodus journey the same way He started it: by drying up a body of water so the people can walk though it to the other side.  After everyone had safely crossed, the Lord told Joshua to set up 12 stones as a memorial of everything God had done for His people – from drying up the Red Sea to drying up the Jordan…and all the miracles in between.

Why?  So, when future generations asked, “What are these stones all about, Dad?” then they could be told and retold, “Because God miraculously rescued us!” The stones were there as a remembrance of the Lord’s miracles: delivering them out of slavery in Egypt (as the Egyptians handed over tons of gold and silver), feeding them food from heaven, quenching their thirst with water from a stone, never having their shoes wear out through 40 years of desert walking…and, of course, guiding them with His very presence by day and by night. (Again, so much to unpack there, but let’s get to the point du jour).

What about you?  Do you rehearse God’s miracles in your own life?  Do you talk about, journal or even set up monuments rehearsing all the Lord has done for you?  From our own redemption at the moment of salvation to provision to quenched thirst to God’s very presence in front of us and behind us…we all have a trail of miracles.  Do we tell our friends, our children, our children’s children?  Most importantly, do we remind ourselves of who God is – His grace, His mercy, His relentless faithfulness?  If you haven’t made it a thing in your life, start today.  Tell yourself and others of His Greatness, so “all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” (Joshua 4:24)

“Heavenlty Father, thank You for the miracles all around us – from Your breath in our lungs to each sunrise to protection, health and provision.  May we share the wonders of Your love with others .. and remind ourselves of Your faithfulness.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life