Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

 

Stones of Unity: Remembering God’s Acts Together 

Bible Reading: Joshua 4:1-11 

Key verse:  “tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it  crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people  of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:7 

DEVOTION

Joshua 4:1-11 describes how after over 40 years the Israelites have finally reached Canaan! The Israelites  must have been eager to enter the promised land especially with preparations for their families and all  belongings on their mind. But first, they needed to remember how they got there. When Joshua obeys  God’s command to gather one man from each tribe, he is honoring the faithfulness God showed not only  the Israelites who traveled the last forty years, but also God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the promises made  to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Though each of the twelve men represented different tribes, together, they  represented the constant love and justice shown to the Israelites by God. Each stone they lifted up was a  sign reminding all people of the miraculous Exodus journey and of God’s great work. In the same way, as  Christ's representatives on this Earth, we must live in unity with one another so that everything we do is a  sign to those around us of what God has done for us. We will always have preparations to make for  church and our families. But how much more powerful will it be when, first, we come together to honor  God and then, do His work. When the Church unites, the world can see what a loving, compassionate, and  merciful God we serve. 

 

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for the faithfulness that you have shown all your people, from Abraham and Jacob,  to our grandparents, parents, and us. Thank you for your unchanging nature and that you are the same  God, today, yesterday and forever. I pray that we can continue to honor and remember your faithfulness in  all that we do. Despite whatever busyness may fill our days, I pray that we can take a step back and spend  time worshipping you, with our brothers and sisters, so that your name can be lifted up and your Body  grows. Amen. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Today, remember that as members of the Body of Christ, we each have a responsibility to remember the  Lord’s good works, in order to build His church. Before checking off the next item on your to-do list  today, think about how you can honor God today, with your brothers and sisters. Doing this not only  brings greater fellowship between believers, but invites others to join God’s family. Let our unity be the  sign of God’s power, faithfulness, justice and grace, for those around us, and the generations to come. 


Angelica Varughese 
St. Stephen’s Mar Thoma Church, East Brunswick NJ