Creating a Memorial

Building a Memorial for God
Joshua 4:1-15
"So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever."

Sometimes, we need to remember the past to gain perspective in the present. Just before Israel crosses the Jordan, Joshua gives an unusual command. He tells the people to appoint one man from each tribe. As they cross the Jordan river, they are to take 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan and place them in their lodging after crossing over the river. With those rocks, they were then to make a memorial for the people. The term "memorial" is used 39 times in the Old Testament to refer to a memorial or remembrance. First, as a memorial, it is used to refer to a mental "memorial." In other words, it is a mental note that we are to remember an event or action. Second, it is used in reference to a mental act that is also done in conjunction with a physical act (such as we find here in Joshua). Last it is used of verbally proclaiming and reciting an event in the past that one wants others to remember. Finally, the word is used to remember and reflect upon an event, especially on what was done in the past.  
When Joshua commanded them to take the stones and make a memorial with the rocks, he was commanding them to remember the crossing of the Jordan river and to memorialize it with the stones so that in future generations, it may serve as a constant testimony to future generations that God divided the waters of the Jordan River and brought the people into the promised land on dry land. It served to remind them of God's redemptive promise to bring them into the promised land and also to remind them of the unity with the 12 tribes of Isreal. Even though two and a half tribes would remain on the east bank of the Jordan, they were still to be seen as part of the nation of Israel. It also reminded them of God's abiding presence and his miraculous work done on their behalf. When their children saw the stones and asked about their significance, it would serve as a perpetual object lesson for future generations so they would not forgive what God has done. When the world seemed to rise up against them and their existence in the land was threatened by invaders, it would remind them of God's past deliverance. If he delivered them in the past, he will deliver them in the present and future.
Today we often purchase souvenirs on vacation to remember the trip and the special memories it gives. It may be a souvenir such as a hat or a Christmas Ornament. It may be some expensive piece of jewelry or pottery. The importance of the keepsake is not the price but the memory we wish to cherish.
In our Christian experience, it is often helpful to create our memorial stones. They may be just mental notes or even involve some physical representation to remind us of God's activity in our life and his deliverance. Too often, we fail to recognize God's hand, or if we do see the event as a significant act of God, we quickly forget as we get caught up in the business of life. However, it is helpful when God does something meaningful in our life to create a memorial. Not to worship the memorial but to remember what God has done for us in the past to remind us that he will continue to work in our lives. As you look back in your life, what are the significant events where God's activity was clearly seen? Take note of these and remember them, even by connecting something physical to it so that when life becomes dark and foreboding, you can look back and remember his past work to find present encouragement. If he delivered us in the past, he will do it again in the future.