My parents shared many stories with their kids over the years. Most of them were about the provision of God. One story that plays over and over in my head and heart happened before I was born. Dad and Mom and four of my sisters were the recipients of this “stone.” My dad was gifted with the skill of working with wood to build and create, but he was called by God to be a minister of the Word. We all know he could have made more money building; however, he followed the call the Lord gave him. My mom was good with this plan and she made a wonderful pastor’s wife. (More stories for another time.) But my current story goes like this...
One Saturday evening, my mom was about to prepare dinner for their family of six. While trying to figure out what to serve with the very little they had, she quickly realized there wasn’t enough to make anything for the family, and no money lined their pockets to buy anything. The tithes and offerings they relied on to provide for their daily needs wouldn't be received until the next day which was Sunday. But my parents had been through enough that even though money was sparse, their faith was not. So my mom made the choice to set the table as if there would be a meal the family could eat. Then they sat down and did what they knew to do. They thanked God for the food they were about to eat, His provisions, and the nourishment the food would provide to their bodies. As they were believing, a knock came at the door. My dad answered the door and saw a gentleman standing there wanting to pay my dad for a rocking chair he had fixed for him a month or so prior. My dad didn’t expect to be paid and didn’t want to accept it; however, he recognized the hand of God in this situation and humbly accepted. It was half an hour until the grocery store closed so he quickly went to buy food, giving the family enough to last the week!
Because of this story and many more, my parents were able to tell the next generation of the faithfulness of our loving and generous Father God! Each time my parents shared a story, they added a “stone to the pile.”
The book of Joshua has remarkable accounts of God’s promise of protection, provision, and plan for the people of Israel.
Then Joshua told the people, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you.” Joshua 3:5
Joshua had taken on the role of leader and God had promised to care for His people and for Joshua just as He did for Moses. “Pack up everyone! We are crossing the Jordan River today; not sure how, but God will let us know when we get there!” Of course God keeps his word, and as you read chapters 1-4 in Joshua, you will see the entire picture of the long-awaited promises from God. You will read stories of God’s provision and protection. And in chapter 4, you will see a plan unfold for God’s people; His purpose of letting the future generations know the goodness of the one true God of Heaven and Earth. (Really, take time to read it sometime.)
When all the people had crossed the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Now choose twelve men, one from each tribe. Tell them, ‘Take twelve stones from the very place where the priests are standing in the middle of the Jordan. Carry them out and pile them up at the place where you will camp tonight.’” Joshua 4:1-3
So, what are these stacking stones all about? They are a remembrance; a reminder to look back on what God had done for His people. When future generations would see this monument of stones, they would remember the stories attached to them. The remarkable account of how the priests obeyed their leader and took a literal step of faith into a river flowing strong. The miraculous drying up of that very wet river so the Israelites could cross in safety. I’m trying to envision all the conversations going on as men, women, and children walked through with baggage and 4 legged friends. I bet they recalled the stories they heard about the big ol’ Red Sea parting for previous generations in years past! (God never stops at just one miracle.) The stones! Oh, yes, and the significance of 12 stones put in place, one from each tribe, tells me each family unit is important. They each have stories to share to tell of God’s unending faithfulness.
I have stories of remembrance. I’ve told many to my children and my grandchildren, as well as in Kid’s ministry over the years. However, I must admit, I have not always given God the credit He deserves. I’ve tried, but at times, I want to claim those stones as my own. But wouldn’t it be amazing to collect a stone for everything God has done?! Our houses would be filled! I do like to have some stones laying around to help me remember some stories and to help me remember there are more stories to come. The stacking of stones is a work in progress.
Your stones do not have to be literal physical stones. Maybe keep a journal of God’s faithfulness, His provision, His protection, and His plans for you and your family. Your stones could be a jar of beads or buttons, or notes written down. I guarantee that you will have an opportunity, as my parents and I have had, to share each story of God’s plan with your family and friends and, yes, even strangers along the way.
So, for today, what stones are you going to stack to influence the next generation?
Be Blessed!
Pastor Brinda
For further encouragement on this subject take a listen to this great song. Stacking Stones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75x5ENDubO0
