What Mean These Stones?

Background Scripture: Joshua 4
Lesson Scripture: Joshua 4:1-7, 18, 20-24; 1 Samuel 7:12

Introduction

The books of the Bible are composed of several different kinds of writing. There are books of history, poetry, prophecy, the Gospels, and the Epistles. Of course, every section contains teachings that we believe God intends for the salvation and welfare of the human race.

The Scriptures we will study in this quarter from Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 Chronicles fit best into the history genre. They include the accounts of the children of Israel under various leaders, among whom are some of the most notable found on the sacred page: Joshua, Samuel, and David. In addition, lesser leaders like Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson recount their stories to us.

These men were human, meaning that while they walked with God, their feet were soiled with the dust of the earth. We are thankful that the writer of the book of Hebrews included their names in God’s roll call of faith, because that gives us a hope of redemption in spite of, or because of, our earthiness.

Although unmentioned by word, the theme of redemption is woven through the stories of this quarter. Of the judges and kings of Israel, few rose higher than Samson and David, whose accounts thrill our little ones even today. Tragically, few fell lower, yet they recovered after repentance, and God, in His redeeming mercy, was able to fulfill His mission for their lives.

God sought to deliver His people from their enemies and establish and preserve them in the promised land. Had they always obeyed Him, their sojourn would have been smoother. And had they been contented with His leading, many of the difficulties that arose after they sought a king could likely have been avoided.

Are we able to retain what we learn better than they? From our perspective, we have the advantages of the new covenant, Christ’s teaching and example, conversion, the Holy Spirit, the entire Bible, and the church of God. So what keeps us from spiritual peace and prosperity?

Our enemy attacks, the world’s gods attract, and the flesh is always allured. That is why we must cling to our Redeemer and appreciate our status as pilgrims and strangers. Our Canaan is coming. Are we prepared?

What Mean These Stones?

Lesson 1

September 1, 2019

Background Scripture: Joshua 4

Lesson Scripture: Joshua 4:1-7, 18, 20-24; 1 Samuel 7:12

Introduction

Jordan River has become a symbol in numerous ways to Christians because of its eminence in Old Testament history. Most of the year this river is 90 to 100 feet wide and 3 to 10 feet deep, being marshy, slow-moving, and shallow. But during harvest time, which is the setting of this lesson, the river becomes a turbulent, fast-moving flood of water extending across the lower portions of the river valley.

In the midst of this raging torrent, twelve stones lay underwater, and a miracle was in the making. Those stones would come to signify the mighty working of God in behalf of His people.

Key Verse

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deut. 6:7).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Jordan River was in flood stage, and only the foolhardy would attempt to orchestrate its crossing by an entire nation at this season. But God, whose ways often confound the thinking of man, divinely organized their crossing. By His order, the priests were to carry the ark of the covenant upon their shoulders and start walking.

As the priests by faith stepped into the water, this expansive river began to rise into a mighty heap from whence it came. Miraculously, the ground dried and the priests proceeded into the river channel. On the lower side of this mound of water the Israelites began a mass transit across. What could have taken several weeks was accomplished in one day.

Once the whole company of people had safely crossed, Joshua commanded twelve men, whom he had earlier prepared, to go into the river bed and each pick up a stone to be carried with them as they journeyed toward the camp. Upon reaching the place, Joshua erected these twelve stones together. This was to become a visible remembrance of the extraordinary providence of God.

Many years later, we can envision a young father walking with his family beside him. They are walking the same ground their forefathers had walked on so long before. Coming over a small rise, the children notice the monument that stands before them and ask, “What is that for? Who placed those stones there, and why?” The father, who knows the story and its meaning very well, recounts it to the wondering ears of his children. With conviction, he tells them the significance and purpose of this distinctive memorial.

Practical Truths for Today

The stones at Gilgal were set up to remind Israel of the assistance they had received from the Lord. The memorial itself was not meant to be idolized or worshipped but was only a token of their commitment and faith in God. Man is inclined to place undue confidence in a form of godliness rather than to humbly yield himself to the principles of the true faith.

The true faith is occasionally referred to as the historic faith, implying that things of consequence lay in the past. A phrase in a song declares, “Many many years ago, so their sons the bounds would know, faithful fathers marked the land, these for many years would stand.” 1 These landmarks were determined by the Word of God and include the faithful practice of the primitive Christian doctrine. The ancient writings of the martyrs as well as the Thirty Three Articles of Faith embody these landmarks, which we believe to be markers of truth for us today. Looking back through history, we can see the setting of these stones that trace the path back to Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone (1 Cor. 3:11). It is very important to have a personal understanding of the foundational stones of Bible doctrine and a spiritual vision of living them.

In addition to the stones removed from the Jordan and erected as a visible memorial, Joshua also amassed twelve stones in the middle of the stream. The stones that were set in the river can symbolize the founding point of a new era for the Christian. On the one side of Jordan was the old life and, on the other, the new. Spiritually, these two markers comprise the witness of true faith. The underwater marker in the river is the invisible work of God in the heart and the other in the camp is the visible work of faith in a believer’s life.

Our salvation should not depend on only a few special experiences with God. However, as we share what God has done for us and live our lives as a faithful example of godliness, we each become lively stones (1 Pet. 2:5) to help build the kingdom of God. Often the insignificant things we do and say establish and raise up of these stones of memorial.

Repeatedly reading the Bible with its stories to our children helps to establish signposts in their conscience that will later help them to align their lives with the voice of the Holy Spirit. Sharing with them about personal stones of memorial relating to victories of the past is also helpful for their inspiration. After becoming a child of God, they will be challenged with decisions that require them to choose between right and wrong. May they frequently encounter the familiar, yet conspicuous, pillars of spiritual truth placed by godly parents.

The young people of the world are indulging in whatever suits their selfish nature. Unlike the world, Christian young people aspire to unselfishly serve their Creator. By giving themselves in service at home and abroad, they show the world how true fulfillment is found. The lives of dedicated, young Christians stand as persuasive proof of the power of God. By living a godly life, they are laying up spiritual treasure in store against the time to come. They can expect a bountiful harvest that will continue to bear good fruit as a testimony to the faithfulness and goodness of God.

The enduring stones of truth will stand to the end, unchanged by the passage of time. It is our responsibility to transmit to our posterity the original faith with conviction. What a catastrophic failure though if we neglect the principles of truth and are indifferent to their preservation. Let us keep our charge that God’s name be glorified.

Questions

1. Are any important landmarks being ignored? If so, what are ways to reinforce them?
2. Do I personally know the principles I believe? If someone younger would ask me, would I have a ready answer?
3. Share with the class one of your personal stones of memorial.
4. 1 John Paul Raber, “Remove Not the Landmarks”
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).