I love the story in Joshua chapter 3 where the Israelites cross the Jordan River. It’s one of my favorite stories. It’s such a great reminder of what faith looks like. The priest of Israel had to step into a river flowing at flood stage hold several hundred pounds on their shoulders (the Arc of the Covenant). Of course, we know that God had promised to stop the river as soon as they did, and God honored His word. But my favorite part of this story is what happens after they have crossed the river. God asks Joshua to have the men pull 12 stones out of the river, so Joshua does then he assembles them into a pillar and tells the people, “when your children ask what this monument is for, tell them what God has done this day.”
I just had the privilege of celebrating Senior Recognition with one of the best groups of seniors I’ve ever worked with. Senior Sunday always makes me think of this story. This group in particular. I can honestly say, I’ve worked with a lot of really good students over the years, but rarely have I been impressed by a group as much as by this group. They have overcome adversity, they have taken on challenges, and they have overcome and are overcoming the past to become some amazing men and women of God.
There are moments in each of our lives where the work of God is evident. I would encourage everyone reading this to take the time to write down these moments. Spend some time reflecting on what God has done in your life. Find a way of setting up a monument in your home. Maybe that’s pictures, maybe that’s some object that can serve as a reminder, but find something that will remind you of what God has done. Find something that when your children see it, or your neighbors see it, they can ask, what is this for, and you can tell them what God has done.
John-David M. Culbertson 