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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 30 May 2025:
Joshua 4:1–9 – “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man… and take up twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan.”
After the miraculous crossing of the Jordan, God commands a memorial. Twelve men, one from each tribe, are to take a stone from the middle of the riverbed and set it up where they will camp that night. These stones are to be a sign—a visible reminder of God’s faithfulness and power. God knows we are prone to forget. That’s why He calls His people to set up memorials. We need to remember what He has done—not just for ourselves, but for future generations. Every answered prayer, every miraculous provision, every breakthrough becomes a stone of remembrance.
“Spiritual memory is crucial in the Christian life. Do you vividly recall times when you know God spoke to you? It would be tragic if, in your haste to advance in your Christian faith, you neglected to leave spiritual markers at the key crossroads of your life. Without the help of these markers, you will lose your spiritual bearings.
The Israelites experienced a tumultuous pilgrimage. Their doubt that God was powerful enough to give them victory cost them forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Then God miraculously parted the waters of the Jordan River so they could pass over and continue their conquest. God knew that at times the Israelites would face intimidating enemies and would need a reminder that He was powerful enough to protect them. The Israelites might be tempted to think they made a mistake entering Canaan. For this reason God instructed them to build a monument on the banks of the Jordan River. Whenever they returned to this spot, they would see the monument and be reminded of God’s awesome power. This marker would give them confidence to meet the new challenges they faced.
A spiritual marker identifies a time of decision when you clearly know that God guided you. Can you remember the moment you became a child of God? Were there specific times when He called you to His ways of living? Can you point to times when He clearly guided you in a decision? Were there times when He spoke powerfully to you about a commitment you should make? Keep track of these important moments! Regularly rehearse them and notice the steady progression in the way God has led you. This will help you understand God’s activity in your life and give you a sense of direction as you face future decisions.” (Henry T. Blackaby)
- Exodus 17:14 – “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it…”
- Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD.”
Joshua 4:8 – “And the people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded.”
God’s plan involves God’s people diligently and faithfully obeying God’s appointed leaders.
Joshua 4:10–14 – “The priests bearing the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished… and the people passed over in haste.”
The priests remained standing in the riverbed while all the people crossed over. They did not move until the Lord’s commands through Moses and Joshua were fully carried out. God honors this obedience by exalting Joshua in the eyes of all Israel, affirming his leadership. Leadership is tested in the river, not the camp. Spiritual leaders are called to stand firm, even in uncertain or dangerous circumstances, until God’s work is complete. And like Joshua, we are exalted not by our position but by our obedience.
- 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.”
- Hebrews 13:7 – “Remember your leaders… imitate their faith.”
Joshua 4:15–18 – “Command the priests… to come up out of the Jordan.”
Only when the priests stepped out of the river did the waters return to their place. God held the waters back for as long as His people needed, but not a moment longer. The timing was precise and powerful. God’s timing is perfect. He knows exactly when to hold back the flood and when to let it return. He protects His people and makes a way, but He also expects us to listen, move, and trust His timing.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “For everything there is a season…”
- Psalm 31:15 – “My times are in your hand.”
Joshua 4:19–24 – “When your children ask… ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them…”
The chapter ends with a call to testimony. The memorial stones are meant to provoke questions from the next generation—and the answer must always point back to the mighty hand of God. He did this “so that all the peoples of the earth may know… and that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”
- Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – “You shall teach them diligently to your children…”
- 1 Peter 2:5 – “You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house.”
God’s work in our lives isn’t meant to be private. It’s meant to be proclaimed. Every miracle should become a message. Every breakthrough should become a testimony. And every stone should remind us—and others—of God’s power, presence, and purpose.
Twelve stones taken from the riverbed became a monument to God’s power and a memorial of His faithfulness. What are your stones of remembrance? When did God part the waters for you? Write them down. Share them. Set them where others can see.
The world needs more living memorials—people whose lives clearly point to what God has done. We are called not just to cross the Jordan, but to commemorate it, to remember it, and to pass on the wonder of it.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 30 May 2025: “What do these stones mean to you?” (Joshua 4:6) What markers in your life remind you of God’s faithfulness? Create a physical or written reminder today—something that helps you remember what God has done. Maybe it’s a journal entry, a prayer board, or a family tradition. Tell someone a story of God’s power in your life. Pray: Lord, help me to remember all You’ve done. May my life be a living stone that points others to You. Amen.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 