Mustard Seed Thoughts #6

Memorials and statutes are constructed to remember someone who has contributed to society or some great leader who has done a great deed. When we visit these memorials, we are reminded to consider the good the person has done.

In Joshua Ch 4, the Lord told Joshua to set up memorial stones as they crossed the Jordan on dry ground. They were about to enter their Promised Land and God wanted them to always remember their journey with Him. God had been good to them (all along) and He was about to unveil His blessings.

If they stepped into these blessings, would they be grateful and would they remember His goodness? I met Andre Crouch in 1980. He was the composer of the song ‘To God Be The Glory’. He told me that this song was written to remind believers to be always grateful ‘ for all the things You have done for me’. The inspiration came from the story of the 10 lepers that were healed by Jesus- only 1 leper returned to give thanks.

In Joshua Ch 4, the memorial stones were to remind the Israelites the goodness of the Lord. The story of their journey with God was supposed to be handed down from generation to generation. ..’when your children ask…v21…tell them the Lord had done this… v 22, 23. In Ps 136, this was reiterated. The goodness of God would drive their enemies to fear.

It said …. ‘the Amorites (their enemies) hearts melted and their spirit became weak when they heard about the great things God did . The goodness of God always ensures victory for His people. All they needed to do was to trust Him. In this case, just let go and let God lead. It is always good to surrender our lives in the hands of the Good Lord instead of trying to have it all figured or planned out. The Good Lord will only lead us into good things!

When they crossed over, there were 2 things they did: (1) Circumcised all the males 5:7,8 (2) Celebrated the Passover (or communion) 5:10. These 2 acts speak of a consecration or an affirmation of their covenant relationship with God. By the way, when we celebrate communion, we are re affirming our relationship with God and remembering His goodness at Calvary. This is also a memorial.

The name of the place they were at was established as ‘Gilgal’ 5:9. Gilgal means ‘rolling’. God promised them He would roll away their past –failures, frustrations, disappointments, hurts etc ….and they would not remember their past anymore. They were given a new slate and they were to expect something new. To prove that , they received the confirmation that they would not be eating manna anymore but ‘the fruit of the land’.

It was as though they were stepping into some new blessings which were greater than what they have received in the past. I believe that God is about to bring us into some new things which will be greater than what we have experienced before.

If the Israelites were still apprehensive, God provided them a solution. He would personally lead them into this ‘battle’ to ensure their victory/inheritance. As they entered into the land, Joshua was confronted by the commander of the Lord of hosts. He assured Joshua he was with them and was for them…so that all conquests would be certain.

It is time we set up our own memorial stones to always remember His goodness. As we take life’s journey, remember : He is our commander who will lead us into new things and will confirm them with greater blessings in Him. Our conquest is certain. God is good….so let go and let God take over.