24 that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of
the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever."
In Joshua 3, we learned that before the people of Israel
could experience the miracle of crossing the Jordan River into the Promise
Land, they had to receive the “Word of Faith”, a message from God through His
servant Joshua, that gave them specific instructions on what to do. Then they
had to trust and obey that message by taking the “Walk of Faith”, that first
step into the Jordan River to see the mighty hand of God part the waters and
dry up the waterbed so they could walk across on dry land to the other side.
The Lord was in control of all the activities at the Jordan
River that day. He told the priests when to enter the river and when to leave
and go to the other side. He told the water when to roll back and when to
return. Both the water and the people obeyed Him, and everything worked out as
God planned. It was a day that glorified the Lord and magnified His servant
Joshua (Joshua 4:14).
Now in Joshua 4, we read about the “Witness of Faith”. Two
heaps of stones were set up as memorials of Israel's crossing of the Jordan
River: twelve stones at Gilgal (vv. 1-8,10-24), and twelve stones in the midst
of the river (v. 9). They were witnesses that God honors faith and works on
behalf of those who trust Him.
This heap of twelve stones was a reminder of what God did
for His people. The Jews were great believers in teaching the next generation
about Jehovah and His special relationship to the people of Israel (Joshua 4:6,
21; Ex. 12:26; 13:14; Deut. 6:20; see Pss. 34:11-16; 71:17-18; 78:1-7; 79:13;
89:1; 102:18). To an unbeliever, the heap of twelve stones was simply another
stone pile; but to a believing Israelite, it was a constant reminder that
Jehovah was his or her God, working His wonders on behalf of His people.
But also note that Joshua put an obligation on the Jews to
fear the Lord and bear witness of Him to the whole world (Josh. 4:24). The God
who can open the river is the God everybody ought to fear, love, and obey!
Israel needed to tell the other nations about Him and invite them to trust Him
too. The God of Israel cares for His people, keeps His promises, goes before
them in victory, and never fails. What a witness to give to the world!
Today, we have the Word of God that reveals to us the will
of God for our lives. If we trust and obey His Word, we will walk by faith and experience
God’s marvelous miracles in our lives! But these miracles are not just for us
but should be a witness for our children, grandchildren, and for generations to
come. How do we leave a witness today?
Every Sunday when we go to church should be a witness and
reminder to our family, friends, and the world around us that we believe Jesus
died for us, was buried and rose again the third day! He is alive and still
able to save us from our sins and set us free! Every time each week as we give
our tithes and offerings it is a witness to our faith that we believe that it
is God who gives us power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:17-18), to purchase
food, clothing, and shelter for our families. Every time we bow our head and
pray for our meals before we eat is a witness to our faith that it is God who
provided it for us!
Today, are you leaving a “Witness of Faith” for your family,
friends, and the world around you? “That all the peoples of the earth may
know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your
God forever." (v. 24).
God bless!
