Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Stones of Remembrance- Honoring What God Has Done

Bible Reading  Joshua 4: 1-9

Key Verses: “And these stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel for ever” (Joshua 4: 7b)

DEVOTION

The story of the Stones of Remembrance is a spectacular one.  The 12 stones of Remembrance were significant for Israel.  These stones acted as a memorial and reminder of how God brought His children across the Jordan River into the Promised Land.  
God had done a miracle when Israelites had to cross River Jordan.  He asked Joshua to command the priests who carried the ark of the covenant to stand firm in the River where they touched the water.  As soon as they stood there, the River moved to both sides and the Israelites walked to the other end of the River through dry land.  Now, according to the instruction given by God to Joshua, 12 men representing 12 tribes, took stones from the place where the priests had stood.  
These stones remain till this day as a memorial, honoring what God had done for the Israelites.  The generations to come would know the glory of God.  To honor God and acknowledge God’s glory each of us should become a living memorial for God.  God expects us to be a worshiping community of true believers.  He wants us to have steadfast faith in Him.  Stones are hard and strong.  Such should be our faith too.  Stone-like faith in God will shape us for a worthy life pleasing and honoring Him.  
It was by God’s orders the memorial was erected. Rev. Matthew Henry, a great Biblical Commentator, has observed that it was not a human scheme.  That itself shows the divinity and sanctity of the stones.  ‘God’s works of wonder ought to be kept in eternal remembrance for all generations to come’.  And with strong directions from God, Joshua executes the plan to make it a reality.  Here we see Joshua surrendering to the will of God.  God expects our complete surrender.  He wants our wholehearted obedience in the building up of the Kingdom of God.  Are we prepared to do so?  Let each one of us become a stone for Him.  Let us surrender everything for Him for honoring what He has done for us.

PRAYER

O Lord, give us this day the wisdom to withstand temptations so that we will be your true children.  The multitude is always after Satan and his evil forces.  Give us courage to swim against the current, always giving You honor and glory.  Make us, O Lord, your living memorials in this world. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Let God have your life; He can do more with it than you can.- D. L. Moody

Prof. Elias Abraham
Baltimore Mar Thoma Church

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