In Joshua 4 In What Ways Can We Create Reminders Of Gods Work In Our Own Lives And Communities?
Remembering God’s Faithfulness: Insights from Joshua 4
Joshua 4 records a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. After the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, God instructs Joshua to set up twelve stones as a memorial. This act was not merely about marking a geographical event—it was designed to remind God’s people of His mighty works and steadfast faithfulness. As we explore this chapter, we’ll discover practical and spiritual ways we can create reminders of God’s work in our lives and communities today.
The Biblical Narrative: Stones of Remembrance
After Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground, Joshua commanded twelve men, one from each tribe, to take a stone from the middle of the river and set it up at their camp as a memorial:
that this may be a sign among you, that, when your children ask in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? then ye shall say unto them, Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah; when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. - Joshua 4:6-7 ASV
The purpose of the stones was clear: to spark questions from future generations and to provide an opportunity to testify about God’s power and deliverance.
Why Do We Need Reminders?
Scripture reveals the human tendency to forget God’s blessings and works, especially in seasons of prosperity or adversity (Deuteronomy 8:11). God repeatedly calls His people to remember:
Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: - Psalm 103:2 ASV
Reminders anchor our faith, fuel gratitude, and serve as testimonies to others about God’s faithfulness.
Practical Ways to Create Reminders of God’s Work
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Personal Journals and Testimonies:
Writing down answered prayers, significant moments, and spiritual milestones provides a written testimony of God’s ongoing work. When we look back, we see how He has guided, provided, and delivered us.
Remember his marvelous works that he hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of his mouth - Psalm 105:5 ASV
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Family Traditions and Storytelling:
Just as the stones in Joshua 4 were meant for children to ask, families can establish traditions—like sharing testimonies at meals or during holidays—to remind one another of God’s faithfulness.
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Physical Symbols:
Setting up meaningful objects—such as a plaque, a cross, or even a special object from a significant event—can serve as a visual prompt for remembering God’s work. These are not for worship, but for testimony and remembrance.
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Corporate Worship and Church Milestones:
Churches can celebrate anniversaries, dedicate new buildings, or commemorate answered prayers as a community. These moments become shared stones of remembrance, strengthening corporate faith.
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Communion and Baptism:
The Lord’s Supper and baptism are biblical ordinances given by Jesus to remind us of His saving work on the cross and our new life in Him (Luke 22:19; Romans 6:4). These are powerful, ongoing reminders of God's grace.
Reminders as Testimonies to Others
The stones of Joshua 4 were not just for Israel—they were to proclaim to “all the peoples of the earth” the mighty hand of God:
that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of Jehovah, that it is mighty; that ye may fear Jehovah your God for ever. - Joshua 4:24 ASV
Our reminders serve not only to strengthen our own faith, but also as a witness to those around us of the living God who saves and delivers.
Conclusion: Living Stones Today
As followers of Christ, we are called “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). Our lives, transformed by God’s grace, become testimonies to His power. By intentionally remembering and sharing God’s work in our lives, we fulfill the purpose of the stones in Joshua 4—pointing ourselves and others to the faithfulness of God who saves, provides, and leads.