Journey Memorials--Joshua 4

On vacations, many of my friends keep journals--either diary type or photo journals. They enjoy going back and remembering their journeys. Joshua did the same thing in Joshua 4. God commanded him, and Joshua followed the orders. Yet, in his directions to the Israelites, it is obvious that this was not just a "religious work," but a special duty Joshua was completing for God, the Israelites, as well as himself.

The memorials that were constructed were for different purposes. The one in the river was one done for those living at the time. As the Jordan was being held back by the power of God, they created this memorial for themselves. This was something they did to create a memory that would never go away. Obviously, as the river covered it, the generations after them would only enjoy the stories.

The other memorial was for the future generations to remember the power of God. Now, the story of the conquering of Canaan would not only be in words but in memorial--a visual representation so all could remember.

That is why spiritual memorials are so important for us on our Christian journeys. In the minds of this world, we forget that God's power is important in this busy, self-made world. In our minds, God can do little for us Americans since we can so much for ourselves. That is why God wants us to maintain a series of memorials to remember the work of God in our lives.

When was the last time you created a memorial--in words, on a website, or in art form? Maybe, as the Israelites crossed the Jordan, you should begin to create memories of what God has done for you, so that you will carry the memories throughout your life, as well as your future generations carry the memories on.

God Bless

was