Joshua 4:1-9

Historical markers cause us to think about the past.  Remembrance is a tremendous gift of the believer and follower of Jesus Christ.  If you travel any parts of America and many parts of this city, eventually you will see a historical marker that is a sign of something significant that happened in that space.  Mount Rushmore is a prime example of seeing four distinct Presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln) who impacted culture and the future of this country.

Long before Mount Rushmore, the Israelites were about enter into the Canaan’s Promised Land and leave a historical marker of remembrance (stones).  These stones were to be memorials for them and the generations to come.  Joshua was to lead them into a period of remembrance with these stones.  Remembrance of God’s deliverance of 40 years earlier of being in bondage in Egypt.

On the remembrance journey we are awakened to several perspectives that will help us in the midst of encountering God.  These perspectives can actually be unifying.

Moment Perspective!
When the entire nation had finished crossing over the Jordan the LORD said to Joshua, “Pick twelve from the people, one man per tribe.  Command them, ‘Pick up twelve stones from right here in the middle of the Jordan, where the feet of the priests had been firmly planted.  Bring them across with you and put them down in the camp where you are staying tonight.”   Joshua 4:1-3 CEB

Memorial Perspective!
“These stones we will be an enduring memorial for the Israelites.”   Joshua 4:7(b) CEB

Mercy Perspective!
Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan where the feet of the priests had stood while carrying the covenant chest.  They are still there today.   Joshua 4:9 CEB

Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom,
“We are Christ Markers!”