What Are Those for?

Warriors Arise: January 7, 2021

Joshua 4:1-9 (NKJV) And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: 2 “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’ ” 4 Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; 5 and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7 Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” 8 And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the Lord had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 9 Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.

Notice how God's plan is implemented, followed and fulfilled.

1. God tells Joshua

2. Joshua tells the twelve men

3. And the children of Israel did so

This can be a little confusing. I did not realize they had built two markers with the stones from the riverbed of the Jordan. The twelve men one to get 12 stones from the river bed to carry with them for the memorial on land (vs. 20). Then the children of Israel (vs. 8) took up twelve stones from the river bed (vs. 9) and set then up in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood and they are there to this day.

If we can see the stone to this day then the stones the children of Israel moved were large, more than one man could carry. Think of boulders that may have fallen from a cliff that stick up out of the water. These rocks were to be stacked and placed a marker in the Jordan to be seen during flood season and last as long as time "to this day." These were boulders to mark the miraculous work of God. Why did God have them do this?

Has God asked you to do something and when He is asked you thought, "What is this going to be for?" Or "How is this going to work?" Hopefully, you do it because you know God doesn't just have a reason. He has a very good reason.

When we remember what God has done, then we can believe for what God will do. The reverse is also true. When we do not remember what God has done then we are hopeless to believe what God will do.

I also wonder if the reminder is necessary for when someone wants to turn back. When they turn back to cross the river they will see and remember what God did to get them into their promised land. There are plenty of people who make it into their promised land but for countless reasons they return to their life of wandering in the wilderness or bondage in their Egypt. God wanted His people to remember what He did to get them into their promised land and for that remembrance to compel them to believe for the fullness of all He promised. Never turn back to a life of bondage in Egypt. Never turn back to a life without purpose, wandering in the wilderness.

Will you follow the Lord? Or will you allow the enemy to lure you back to your life of bondage or pointless living?

You never realize your are being lured to leave what the Lord has promised you until you are already across and have no sight of it. God wants us to remember His ways because they demonstrate His character. God wants us to remember His acts so we know nothing is too great for our God. The bigger question will to press on into what He has promised and declare the Word of the Lord in battle. What has God said? Despite what you have been asked to do, will you do it? What if all you have been told to do is pray, to believe God for the miracle. Will you pray? Will you declare the Word of the Lord?

Father, we need You. I ask for Your people to rise up in prayer. I ask for each one to turn to You and for You to make known Your justice and for Your will to prevail. I ask for Your people to turn to You, hear your voice and declare Your Word over our nation. I pray for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done. I declare justice to take place and truth to be revealed. I declare Your voice to be heard and followed in Jesus' name. I bless our legislators to know what they are to do and for the American people to be justly represented. I pray for wisdom and courage to rise up within the legislators who want truth and justice. I pray they would be heard, their voice would be heeded and righteousness would prevail. I pray for Your people to lift up the legislators for perseverance, determination, and ears to hear You. I pray each one would be led by You. Thank You for hearing my prayer and putting things in motion for Your will to be accomplished in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.