After all the people crossed the Jordan River, God told Joshua to choose one person from each of the twelve tribes. These people were to go back to where the priests stood in the middle of the riverbed and each carry one stone back to the shore on their shoulder. Joshua also set up twelve more stones in the Jordan River where the priests had stood. When the priests stepped out of the river and their feet touched the dry ground, the Jordan River water immediately flowed back as it had before, rising high above its banks. The people crossed the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camped at Gilgal. Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan at Gilgal, and told the Israelites: When your children in the future ask what these stones mean, tell them that the people of Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground, and that the LORD made the Jordan River water dry up before you. This was so that all peoples on earth would know the LORD's hand is powerful, and so that you would always fear the LORD your God.
God commanded the Israelites to build a monument of twelve stones so that their children and grandchildren would never forget God's great works. These stones were witnesses to the passing down of faith, reminding each generation of God's faithfulness and power. We too should learn to remember God's grace and help in our lives, and actively share these wonderful experiences with others. When we develop the habit of gratitude and remembrance, our faith will grow stronger and stronger.
Free stories are available on the web — featured and journey stories unlock in the FaithSow App
Free stories are available on the web — featured and journey stories unlock in the FaithSow App