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Let me ask a question—how many of us can see a picture or look at an object and immediately be reminded of an event that happened in the past?  Whether it’s a souvenir or just something that happened to catch your eye…it stimulates your memory.  Most people have some personal items that serve as memorials.  Whatever these memorial items are doesn’t really matter—it’s what they help a person remember that’s important.

Here in chapter 4 we learn that Joshua is told to establish a memorial to remind the Israelites of how they where able to cross the Jordan River.  Why?  Because the Lord knows the people of Israel have a tendency to forget rather quickly who is responsible for the miracles/blessings they experience (EX: The golden calf Ex 32).

The same thing can be said of us today.  If we’re not careful—if we’re not reminded on a regular basis, we might forget who’s responsible for the blessings we have been given as well.  Chapter 4 provides at least 3 things that will help remind us that all good gifts come from our heavenly Father—lest we forget.

First of all, memorials serve both the present and the future.  We know that a memorial can be just about anything that helps someone remember.  For the Israelites the memorial was 12 stones that came from the Jordan River (v3).  Rather simple compared to some memorials.

According to Joshua—the significance of the memorial is not the stones themselves…it’s the message they convey.  It’s a message that reminds the adults and teaches the children for generations to come that they serve a mighty God (vv6-7).    

Next—careful attention to details will lead to the Lord’s blessing.  Obedience to the commands of the Lord has been a continual theme since chapter 1:7.  As a matter of fact—obedience to the commands of God is a theme that runs throughout the whole Bible.

Chapter 4 tells us that the Lord commands Joshua, then he relays the message on to the people, and they are careful to do all that they were told (v10).  There’s a rather simple Biblical principle being taught here—obedience to the Lord’s command leads to His blessing.

The immediate blessing for the Israelites was safe passage across Jordan River.  The Jordan River was the last obstacle that prevented them from entering the Promised Land.

Last of all, the glory of the Lord is really what all of this is about.  At the end of chapter 4 we read that the Israelites have crossed the Jordan and camp in Gilgal.  Surely they are elated.  After all of the years of trusting in the promise made to Abraham, after all the years of captivity in Egypt, after all of the years wandering in the desert, after crossing the Jordan on dry ground—finally they are in the land.  What a blessing they have received.  Truly they are the apple of God’s eye.

But notice—Joshua is quick to remind them that everything that’s happened to them is really for the glory of God.  Everything God has been doing in them and through them is really about letting the whole world see His awesome power.  Letting the world know that He is the One true God.  That He and He alone is the only One worthy to be worshipped (V24).

Joshua tells the people to let the 12 stones be a perpetual reminder of this fact.  Tell your children and your children’s children of this truth—lest we forget that all good gifts come from our heavenly Father.  So what can we learn from this chapter that will help us today?

Symbols still play a role in life of a Christian.  Just as the stones pointed to the presence and power of God among His people in Joshua’s day—the bread and cup speak of the Lord’s presence and power today.  (1 Cor 11:23-26) 

Obedience and blessing go together like a hand in a glove.  Joshua had a promise from God that prosperity and success would follow him if he would be careful to obey the Lord (1:7-8).  Walking in step with God’s Word is one of the best ways we can demonstrate our love for Christ and enjoy the same promise.  (2 John 6)