In this continuing story of pursuit of the promised land, Joshua stacks 12 stones.
Question: Why was he stacking rocks when he could be planning a quick attack?
The old saying: “God works in mysterious ways” is ever-present here.
But, let’s see why Joshua followed every step in the way God asked of him.
God’s Plan vs Man’s Plan..
After Israel crossed the Jordan, what was the next logical step? Were they to attack and take over the land promised to them by God?
Not yet.
There was another task God had for them to do first. It involved stacking 12 stones at the spot of the crossing.
Why would Joshua use up valuable time stacking up rocks?
Joshua Stacks 12 Stones and Follows God’s Plan ~ 4:1-24
“He said to the sons of Israel, ‘When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.’
For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.’ ” – Joshua 4:21-24 NASB
Focus on God – The 12 Stones
Why twelve stones? Why not assemble the troops and take over the promised land right away?
We don’t know all the reasons God works the way He does. But, we do know that following His plan will work…
Following ours may or may not.
Joshua the Leader – The Follower
Throughout the Bible, we’ve seen that the great leaders were also great followers of God.
In Joshua 24:15, he makes it very clear who he will follow..
“ as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua knew he was going to follow God’s will to lead the people, no matter what the task.
Having his men gather 12 stones and place them on the bank of the Jordan might seem like a waste of time to us.
But, God wanted the people to keep focused on who was really in charge of their lives.
Short but Profound
Our lesson today is a to ask a question…
Are we too busy doing everyday chores to focus on what God wants in our lives?
I’m guilty.
A Plan of Action for Us
A good plan is to take some time to reflect on God.
Set aside the busy schedule for a few moments and discover God’s plan for us.
Let’s take our “stones” and build a memorial to God today.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to know more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment and see John 3:16 now.