Joshua 4:1-10 – Remember God’s Power

One of the biggest points emphasised in chapter 4 is remembering. The stone memorial spoken of in v1-10 dominates this chapter. Its purpose was to “be to the people of Israel a memorial forever” (v7). Future generations were to be taught why the stone memorial was there and reminded of what God had done (v6).

V6 says: “that this may be a sign among you”. A sign points towards something greater than itself. A sign points you in the direction of the real thing. This memorial was to make sure that the people remembered God’s mighty power.
Sometimes the circumstances of our lives dishearten us. Sometimes the situation in our church or our nation can discourage us. We too need to remember the truth of God’s mighty power. We need to actively remind ourselves what He has done throughout Scripture; what He has done throughout history; and what He has done throughout our own lives.

How can we help ourselves remember God’s power? One writer says: “Empty churches and few conversions can be depressing, so we need to remind ourselves of what our God can do. Therefore, next to reading the Bible there is nothing more important than reading Christian biographies and church history. Christians who do not read these deprive themselves of great encouragement”.

Think of the Israelites as they camped near the river at Gilgal that night after crossing over. They knew that many battles and many hard times lay ahead of them as they tried to conquer the new land. But a quick glimpse outside their tents would have shown them this pile of stones – which reminded them that their God was mighty. They could have confidence and expectation that He would be with them in whatever lay ahead.