“What Do These Stones Mean?”
Scripture Reading — Joshua 4:1-9
Tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan. . . .
A while back, our church rented out our basement to a group of students. When they arrived, I opened the door for them and showed them the space. Then one of their leaders approached me and whispered that he had been moved by the Holy Spirit to pray for our congregation.
He said he had received an image in his mind while praying: “I saw a picture of a pile of stones, much like the one Joshua and his people set up to remember God’s actions among them.” He went on to say, “You and your congregation are in a time of remembering. Pay attention to what God is doing among you. Not everyone will agree, and that’s okay. God will continue to do wonderful things in your midst.”
What he didn’t know was that our congregation had—that very week—reflected on this story of Joshua and had set up a pile of stones in the sanctuary to help us remember what God had done for us in our 90-year history as a congregation!
God continues to speak powerfully through people who seek him. To those who are listening, God provides words of encouragement and guidance. Joshua set up the pile of stones so that future generations would wonder and ask about what God had done for his people.
Take time to remember what God has done for you, and listen as he reminds you of his work and power in your life through the Holy Spirit.
Lord, you continue to amaze us. Help us to remember and retell the ways you have helped us in the past. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Julia Prins Vanderveen
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