Year of the Bible: Part Four of Twelve Exemplo

Stones that Testify.

As the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered their inheritance on the other side, Joshua told them to take large stones from where the priests stood in the Jordan. Once collected, the tribes were instructed to stand them up on the dry ground where they made their camp.

"And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, 'When your children ask their fathers in times to come, 'What do these stones mean?' then you shall let your children know, 'Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.' For the Lord, your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever." (Joshua 4:20-24 ESV)

Setting up stones of remembrance continued for generations. A pile of rocks set up for this reason soon became known as an Ebenezer. The Hebrew word אֶבֶן הָעֶזֶר ('eḇen hāʿezer) means "stone of help."

The Ebenezer was much more than a mere memorial, it was a permanent testimony of God's faithful ways and capabilities. God displayed His power by parting the waters and, in so doing, announced to the nations surrounding the Israelites that He was mighty and to be feared.

The Ebenezer served as a powerful reminder of what God can do and, in the reminder, gave strength to future generations when they face giant obstacles! Joshua witnessed the people's forgetfulness for forty years and wanted to ensure there was a permanent testimony for the people.

Erecting this monument was an act of faith on Joshua's part and his way of telling himself and the people that they would indeed be in this land generations from that day.

Question: Where in your life do you need to "raise an Ebenezer," a stone of help and remembrance?

Prayer Focus: Identify a place in your life where God has displayed his purpose and power. Give thanks for that moment aloud and ask God to strengthen your face for the battle you face today.

Special Assignment: There is power in your testimony. Ask God to show you one person today with whom you can share your story of God's faithfulness. It'll encourage them, so don't be afraid!