Joshua 4 -- Something In The Water

God directed that twelve large stones be removed from the middle of the Jordan before the priests holding the Ark walked out.  The men who'd been assigned the task actually carried them 8 miles to Gilgal where the Israelites camped that night.  They were placed in a heap to remind the Israelites to tell their children the spectacular story of God's power in getting them into the Promised Land.  "When Israel crossed the Jordan, it was not the obedient  arm of a leader that brought the miracle, but the obedient feet of the people.  Unless we are willing to step out by faith and obey His word, God can never open the way for us," my commentary said.

Before the river returned to the flood stage it had been experiencing just before the crossing, Joshua had twelve other stones heaped up in the middle of the river where the priests had stood holding the Ark as the people crossed over into the Promised Land.  "It must have seemed a strange thing for their leader to do.  After all, who but God could see 12 stones heaped together in a riverbed?"  Years later, when parents recalled the crossing to their children, they could point out the stones at Gilgal.  And they could add, "'But there's another monument in the middle of the river where the priests stood with the Ark.  You can't see it, but it's there.  It reminds us that our old life has been buried and we must live a new life in obedience to the Lord.'  The children would have to accept this fact by faith, and if they did, it could make a great difference in the way they related to God and to His will for their lives," my commentary said.

Father God, remind me of the spiritual markers You've placed in my life, where my old life was buried when You forgave my sins and where my new life of faith began.  Remind me often of Your great grace and forgiveness and Your love for me in sending Your Son.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford