A wedding ring is a sign and symbol of a promise that was made on a very special day in the lives of a husband and wife. We want to remember things that are important to us. In fact, one of the key words that is repeated over and over again in the Bible is "remember." As God's people, that is what we are called to be – a remembering people.
Joshua had detailed 12 men to pick up 12 stones out of the Jordan River, which were to be set up as a monument when the Israelites reached Gilgal on the other side of the Jordan River. But it was not to be a memorial of when the people crossed the River; it was to be a memorial of the amazing power of the all-powerful God, Who miraculously caused the waters to part for His people. The 12 stones were to be a memorial that would help God's people remember His mighty works on their behalf – just like the Lord's Supper is a memorial to us of the work of redemption that Jesus carried out for us!
The Lord knew that when the children and the future generations would see the memorial at Gilgal, they would be curious and ask their parents what they meant. And the parents were to tell them that this was the place where God displayed His power and brought them into the land of Canaan. The good news of the Gospel is for us and our children. God wants us to remember and think of Him as strong and powerful and victorious over His enemies.
Remembering is hard! Too often, we forget God's mercy and kindness to us. Pray for grace to make a practical memorial for yourself, and to have purposeful conversations with your children and grandchildren about our God – Who always keeps His promises and is worth remembering! |
