12 Stones

So the past month we've been studying the book of Joshua in children's ministry.  I've read through it more than once over the years, but having the knowledge is much different than sharing the knowledge.  I used to love tutoring and helping others with their classwork.. it was why I've always dreamed about being a teacher.  It is why I love coaching.  It is just so awesome to be able to share your knowledge and talent with someone else who needs your help.  When you witness their eyes light up.. when you see that light bulb click on.. that's gotta be one of the best feelings in the whole world.  And it's the same thing when I used to coach.  My players would get so annoyed that we would do seeming;y mundane and repetitive drills, but then that moment happens when it just clicks (remember Daniel-Son.. wax on wax off) and they look at me so proud that they actually did it and it really works.  Anyways that reward, that feeling, is only part of the blessing of teaching.  The other part is when you teach, the lesson or knowledge or whatever you've studied becomes part of you.

In studying the Bible, I have found that it only really sinks in for me when I share what I've read with someone else, and breaking it down for teaching to kids for some reason is way more impacting.

So I've been teaching the story of Joshua.  For those of you who don't know Joshua of the Old Testament, I'll give you a quick rundown.  The Israelites were slaves in Egypt until Moses and the Plagues convinced Pharaoh to give them their freedom.  Then they crossed the Red Sea and wandered in the Wilderness for 40 years, received the 10 Commandments, and were promised the land of Israel by God.  Well Moses didn't live long enough to see them return home and Joshua was chosen to be the new leader of the Israelites.  Joshua was Moses' second in command and general of the army and now it was his job to conquer all the of the squatters and cities that arose while the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. 

Joshua's faith was so real.  He knew without a shadow of a doubt that God was real and that God can be depended on.  He witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, the manna from the sky, and all the other miracles during those 40 years, so that definitely strengthened his trust in God.  But still, having to lead thousands of weary refugees across the desert without Moses and now into battle.. is what does Marty McFly say: "pretty heavy stuff"  The city of Jericho was the first town on their list.  (I'm having a really hard time keeping this to the point and brief... you gotta read Joshua chapters 1-4 either in a Bible or online somewhere.. because it really is so awesome). 

Once again a body of water is blocking their path.  They are up river from the Red Sea and without a bridge there is no safe way to get to Jericho's massive walls.  But that problem was no biggy for God.  He didn't part the water this time, he just shut it off.  God stops the water flow upstream so Joshua and the Israelites can cross.  The minute the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant step foot into the river, the ground dries up.  They then cross halfway and do not leave the middle of the riverbed until everyone has crossed.  I'm sure those priests are anxious to join them and get across but Joshua has one more task to be completed first.
Joshua 4:4-7
So Joshua called together the twelve men he had chosen—one from each of the tribes of Israel.  He told them, “Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the Lord your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder—twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.  We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’  Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”

That is such an awesome picture of God's love.  What memorial do you have of God's work in your life?  How cool would it be to walk to the beach of this section of the Jordan River and see 12 stones stacked upon each other, and then look down to your son or daughter and tell them the story of Joshua and the Israelites.  It almost makes me want a tattoo.  Something that signifies an event of God's work in my life, so when someone asks me, "Jay, what does that tattoo represent?" I can tell them.  Those 12 stones weren't just for the benefit of others, but it was for the benefit of those present that day.  They can look back and have evidence of God truly caring and protecting them.  I might have a crummy day and just be Mr.  Negativity, but one glance at something physical like big stones piled high would definitely remind me of a better time in my life.. a time when God did something great in my life.

So next time God blesses you, go out of your way to make some kind of memorial of it.  God is a pretty big and famous guy and we're just not that cool.  People pay big bucks and stand in long lines to shake the hand or get an autograph of a celebrity or pro athlete.  Then they proudly put that autograph or picture in a frame and put it on display to show to everyone who enters their house.  God doesn't ask you to stand in a line so He can give you His autograph.  He offers that freely everyday.  What do you have displayed in your house, office, or car?  Kids, family, that fish you caught last summer... and now maybe a stone with a date and a couple words on it?  God's beautiful work in your life deserves to be framed.  For evidence to the non-believer and perhaps a wake up call to get your head on straight.

Thanks for letting me share that with you today.  I needed this opportunity to grow closer in my relationship with my Father.  Knowledge is worthless if it isn't shared.  And without action, fresh air, and sunlight it will never grow.  My Father has been doing so many amazing things in people's lives since the beginning of time... and He isn't slowing down anytime soon.  I'm sorry I haven't been bragging about him lately.. I've been kind of selfish and dumb lately.  But before I stop writing for the night, I want you to know that I'm definitely up for introducing you to Him if you're ever interested.. and I've got some pretty rad stories of our adventures too  :)