CROSSING THE JORDAN

WHAT DO THESE STONES MEAN?

Read Joshua 3:1–4:24

      "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them… 'The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea.'” Joshua 4:21–23 NIV

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      The people Joshua was called to lead had not experienced the miracle at the Red Sea. They had heard the stories, but now they themselves watched as God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea. No sooner had the priests set their feet on dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before. (Joshua 4:18b)

      Later at Gilgal, Joshua took twelve stones and set them up as a memorial. Then he spoke to the people saying: "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What are these stones?' then you shall let your children know saying… 'The LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over'… that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever." (Joshua 4:21–24 NKJV)

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      We can never overestimate the importance of teaching our children what God has done. When they love and serve the Lord, our own influence will be multiplied many times over – but if we fail to pass on our faith, no other ministry will make up for the personal loss.

      Lord, help us to find “stones of remembrance” that will serve as object lessons for our children. Give us thankful hearts to acknowledge You in everything we do.

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      Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6

THE REST OF THE STORY

 

SPEAK TO THE ROCK
    
Read Numbers 20:1–12;  Deuteronomy 32:48–52;  34:1–8;  Matthew 17:1–8

 

      Then the LORD said to him, "This is the land I promised… I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”   Deuteronomy 34:4 NIV

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      Moses was a leader and prophet like no other, but in his anger at the people he made a fatal mistake: God had instructed Moses, "Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water." But instead of speaking to the rock, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff and said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" (Numbers 20:8, 10) God was the miracle worker and Moses failed to give Him the glory – an offence which shortened his life.

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      The good news is that this is not the end of Moses' story. We see him again in the New Testament on the Mount of Transfiguration speaking with Elijah and Jesus:

     Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, If you wish, I will put up three shelters–one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them and a Voice said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. (Matthew 17:4–5, 8)

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      Thank You Lord that Your plan for us goes far beyond this life–and that Jesus paid the price for all the times we have failed to honor You. One day we will stand with Moses and Elijah and all of those who have trusted in You. In that day, with sins forgiven, we will give all the glory to You.

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      They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power…” Revelation 4:10b–11a NIV