"WHAT MEAN THESE STONES??"
Joshua 4:20-24
Introduction:
1. God's people, the Israelites, are about to go into the land
promised to the forefathers. Under Joshua leadership.
2. Notice the events of the past: deliverance from Egypt; giving
of the Law; 40 years of wandering; etc. All leading up to this
event.
3. Under Jehovah's instructions, Joshua establishes a "memorial"
by having each of the 12 men he had chosen to remove a stone
from the Jordan. These 12 stones were then placed as a memorial
of their passing through Jordan.
4. "Memorials" are for the purpose of reminding us of certain
events. They serve as valuable lessons to succeeding
generations. Cf. San Jacinto Monument; Washington Memorial, etc.
5. Later when those who saw these stones would ask: "WHAT MEAN
THESE STONES?" there would be important lessons to be taught.
6. What are some of the possible answers that were given?
A. THESE STONES MEANT THAT GOD IS A GOD OF PROVIDENCE. He cares for
His people. He provides for them.
1. God had made provisions for this nation in the past times.
2. Look at Joseph (Gen. 45:5-8; 50:20). One would be hard pressed
to see any good in the events of Joseph life, until we see the
final picture.
3. Look at Moses: Placed in the river, raised by his own mother in
Pharoah's house, etc.
4. Time and again Jehovah provided for them. They needed to be
reminded of God's graciousness; His provisions.
5. God continues to provide for His people under this
dispensation. He chose the blasphemer, Saul of Tarsus, a Jew
with Roman citizenship, to carry the gospel to the Gentiles.
6. God has His people today, the church, the redeemed, the saved
(1 Pet. 2:9,10). He has provided the truth of His Word. Honest
hearts will respond in obedience and accept His rich
provisions.
B. THESE STONES MEANT THAT EACH SUCCEEDING GENERATION MUST BE TAUGHT
ABOUT GOD.
1. Joshua 4:21,22. "When your children shall ask," "Let your
children know."
2. Why? Note verse 24: "that all the people of the earth may know
the hand of Jehovah, that it is mighty; that ye may fear
Jehovah your God for ever." Some things should not be
forgotten.
3. NOTE: Deut. 6:1-9. The charge of Moses that they teach their
children, their grandchildren, etc. Parents had the
responsibility to see that their children knew the Law.
4. This obligation is still thrust upon parents (Eph 6:4). If we
do not teach our children, the world will. But, that will be
devastating, for the world teaches in paths that lead to
eternal destruction.
5. One untaught generation can very well take the church into
apostasy. Notice Acts 20:29-31--Paul warned the elders of
Ephesus of the dangers; Paul charged Timothy to warn the
Ephesians about a different doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3); Yet, just a
few short years later, the Ephesians had left their first love
(Rev. 2:4,5).
6. How easy it is for man to slip away from the simple gospel and
go in search of strange gods. We MUST, we MUST, teach our young
people the way of righteousness.
7. "What meaneth these stones?"
C.THESE STONES MEANT THAT CONVICTION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN
CONVENIENCE.
1. Jehovah desired these people to remember Him; to keep
themselves away from the pagan gods of the land into which they
were going. It would take a lot of conviction.
2. They were coming into this land that had many false gods. How
easy it would be for them to mix and mingle with these false
religions; to allow them to lead astray. They could have so
easily embraced these false religions. In fact, they continued
to have this trouble throughout their days.
3. But, God demanded their faithful obedience to His commands.
4. The child of God today is faced with the same dilemma as were
the Israelites. How easy it is for a Christian today, when
going into a strange country (another place); and not finding a
faithful congregation of God's people, to affiliate with those
who teach and practice false doctrines. It is so easy to do
that which is convenient rather than that which is conviction.
5. 2 Cor 6:14-18--Do not mix with those who are unbelievers in any
compromising relationships. Does this mean that we can not be
around the unbeliever. NO!! How else would you teach them. It
does mean that we cannot enter into any relationship with the
unbeliever that would cause us to be guilty of sin. This
includes marriage, but it also includes any relationship.
D. THESE STONES MEAN THAT GOD'S PEOPLE NOT ONLY HAVE A PAST---THEY
ALSO HAVE A FUTURE.
1. There was no need for a "memorial" if this was the end.
2. This people had had a glorious past; the memories were dear;
they had been delivered from bondage; they had been cared for
over and over. Manna, quail, water, etc.
3. But, they also had a future, ""When your children SHALL ask
you" (Jos. 4:21). They needed to prepare each generation to
tell the world about their God. If they did not, then who
would?
4. The church has had a glorious past. Its establishment, growth,
influence on the world, passing through the dark ages, to come
out victorious once again.
(1) Col. 1:23-- The gospel had been proclaimed throughout the
world, yet, who will tell the world today if we do not?
(2) The church came through a glorious age during the
restoration, when stalwart teachers of the truth met false
doctrine headon and reestablished God's family. (1 Peter 4:11.)
But, we must continue their work.
(3) This congregation is the result of the labors of faithful
Christians who have sacrificed to see that the gospel is
kept pure; but, the future demands of each one of us to
continue the battle.
(4) May we never rest on the laurels of the past. Surely, we
must remember them, and give our thanks for those who have
come before us. But, we must ever go onward with the banner
of truth.
5. Truly, we have a past, but we also have a future. There are
generations yet unborn that shall depend upon what we are NOW
doing. What a glorious past!!! And what a glorious future!!
CONCLUSION:
1. Our part in what is now past history may have varied. One might
have too young to have added much. One might have a young
convert and not added much.
2. But, NOW, we need to put our shoulders to the harness and work
for the future.
3. "What mean these stones?" May we ever accept our place in God's
arrangements to tell the world about the Christ. Our children,
and our neighbors.
4. God indeed cares for His people.
5. But, to have God's care you must be a part of that people.
6. God does not have illegitimate children. You must be in His
family to receive His blessing.
7. How might one become a child of God? You must be born into the
family. John 3
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