What Do These Stones Mean?
"Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: "When your children ask their fathers in time to come saying, "What are these stones?" (Joshua 4:21)
As we approach "Memorial Day" The responsibility falls on us as Parents, grandparents, and family members, to remember, and share the stories of our loves ones (who have gone on before) with our children & grandchildren. It is an opportunity to share concerning the many sacrifices they made, to secure the freedoms and opportunities we have today, and for the future. There must be an appreciation for what has been given. It is the right and honorable thing to do.
God wanted His people to have an appreciation for what He did for them. The twelve stones (Joshua 4) provided from each tribe, was to be placed at Gigal, to remind the future generations, that God dried up the waters of the Jordan River, just like He did at the Red Sea, so the people could cross over.
After they crossed the Jordan, they entered the promise land; and it would not be a vacation, but a time of battle, and a time of trust. For them to possess the land, they would have to take out the present inhabitants. That would be a challenge. But God would help them, if they would only put their faith in Him. Again the key word is Faith.
As we stop and look at the stones of our loved ones, we read the information on each one; But what is not there, is the testimony of faith and courage that was demonstrated, while they were here. As we look at those stones, may we have in our hearts a feeling of appreciation, and share that appreciation, so future generations will have it too.
It will be an inspiration for us, and for those in the future, to be counted as people of faith and faithfulness, to our awesome God. GP
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