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These Stones shall be for a Memorial

Text: Joshua 4
3 August 2014

3 August 2014

August 2014 Theme: “Be Strong and of Good Courage” Joshua 1:9

Text: Joshua 4

“THESE STONES SHALL BE FOR A MEMORIAL”

 

(I) THE PRACTICE OF SETTING UP MEMORIALS

1. Abram sets up a Memorial Altar to commemorate God appearing to him

“And there he built an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him” Genesis 12:7


2. Jacob sets up a Memorial to commemorate God speaking to him

“Then Jacob rose early in the morning and took the stone that he had put at his head, set up a pillar, and poured oil on top of it.” Genesis 28:18

 

(II) THE IDEA BEHIND SETTING UP MEMORIALS

1. As a physical reminder

2. To honour the Lord for His grace and mercy shown

3. For instructive purposes

4. For posterity so that the future generations would never forget

 

(III) TWELVE MEMORIAL STONES IN THE JORDAN

1. The 12 Memorial Stones

a) As a Memorial (Joshua 4:7)

b) Perpetual Memorial (Joshua 4:7)

c) Symbolic of Israel

d) Each stone represents an individual tribe


2. As a Sign for the generations to come (Joshua 4:6)

a) Children to be taught

b) They are to remember and appreciate God’s grace and power shown

c) Great historic event symbolized by the Stones

 

(III) APPLICATION TODAY

1. Foundation Stones


2. Things set up in Memory of:-

a) Buildings (Schools, churches)

b) Scholarships