S145P3 – Lessons from Joshua: a common reason for his work
Jos. 4:20-24
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.”
In this passage, we see Joshua reference the Red Sea when speaking to Israel. This pattern of behavior of which we spoke is being relayed to God’s people, which was a purpose behind this miracle. The Lord certainly wanted to reassure Israel and confirm for her his faithfulness. They would be able to tell their children and their children’s children why the twelve stones were important. The history of Israel would tell of God’s faithfulness, but the future generations of Israel would not be the only intended audience. This miracle and the miracle at the Red Sea and every other great work of God also exists to show the world at large who He is. There is a testimony to be spoken outside his people.
As lovers of Jesus Christ, we know how encouraging it is for us to hear the testimony of a brother or sister who sees God work in their life. It fuels the fire inside us to hope for him to move that way for us as well. It gives us peace and calm when we enter storms and tribulations. It gives us courage in times of fear. It gives us faith in times of doubt. What it also does is invite the world to see how good our God is. Our testimonies must go beyond us, the children of God, and they must be shared with the lost. The world is hungry for something more, and only God can satisfy that hunger. It is for us to tell the world of the mighty works of the Lord so that they might respond to him in faith.
God’s desire is not simply for him to be known among his people. God’s desire is to be known as He deserves, which is before all creation as the one true God. Even to those who do not want him and who will never choose him, He desires to reveal himself. His methods of revelation can vary, but we know one thing for sure. The testimonies He has given his people throughout history are not to be stored and hidden by those people. They are to be shared with the world to show the glory, majesty and singular authority of God. Father, remind us daily of the great works You have done for your people, that we would desire to share these testimonies of your power with the lost world.