Once more God speaks directly to Joshua (v 1). Joshua demonstrated his loyalty to God by doing what God asked (vs 4–8). The Israelites demonstrated their loyalty to Joshua by obeying his instructions (v 8). The memory of the crossing of the River Jordan into the Promised Land was so important in the life of God’s people that it needed to be marked and remembered. Look again at verses 5–8 to see the form that this memorial took.

We can imagine the future scene that verse 6 portrays. The people of God revisit in years to come the place which marks the beginning of their life in the land that God gave them. Imagine the children playing around the stone memorial. How would you explain to those children the miracle that happened when the people crossed the river?

It’s almost as if the Lord knew that his people needed physical things to hold on to, to remind them of his awesome power, faithfulness and provision for them. This is the purpose of the memorial stones – to mark a new beginning as God’s people in the land he gave them and to provide a reminder in the future of his faithfulness to them.

Think of an occasion when God has been faithful, perhaps an amazing act in your life. Reflect and give thanks for his involvement in your life.

For many who are married, the wearing of a ring indicates a symbol of the covenant between two people and also acts as a reminder of the union. How easy it is, as life unfolds, to get lost in the familiarity of the covenant and the impact of that initial love. Memory can fade – even though the love has not. Jesus knew how easily we forget, charging us to eat and drink in remembrance of the new covenant he had initiated through his death.¹ We might also see here a precursor of baptism, as the people of Israel encounter the waters and rise from them. Joshua is commanded to take stones from the place where the priests stood, the place where the Ark (God’s presence) was, the deepest, middle part. God was there with them, enabling them to cross over, going before them, standing in the midst and taking up the rear. God has shown them what the covenant means to him. 

Furthermore, the whole nation is included (v 1). Each tribe is represented in the stones, even those who will return to the other side. They are called to remember, not in a passive emotional way but in an active way, using this permanent memorial to remind future generations of the incredible story of God’s faithfulness. The fact that this event is so acclaimed indicates that God will not do these remarkable feats every day, but they show us that he can, and will, do immeasurably more than we can ever conceive. Therefore, as witnesses to God’s amazing gift of salvation,² what is the story we are sharing with the next generation about our faith and God? Are we setting up piles of stones in our lives and ministries so we can pass on the miracles and deeds of our covenant God?  

As his disciples and congregation, let’s ask God for a fresh revelation and the courage and anointing to follow it through, regardless of scale, cost or depth. 

¹ Luke 22:19,20  ² Rev 2:13; John 4:23