Sometimes the memory of an event is all we have. Those memories help us hold on to a moment with a loved one or a lesson learned. There was an admonition from the Lord by Moses for the Israelites not to forget. When they went into the Promised Land, they were not to forget all that God had done for them and the lessons learned in the wilderness (Deut. 6:12-15). There is a moment, as the nation of Israel crosses the Jordan River into the Promised Land, where this is emphasized by God (Josh. 4:1-24).
God commanded the ark of the covenant to be carried by the priests ahead of the people. As the feet of the priests touched the waters of the Jordan River, the water parted and stood still. All the people crossed while the priests stood with the ark. Then twelve men, one from each tribe, were sent into the river to pick one large stone per tribe from near the feet of the priests. The stones were brought back to the Promised Land side. As the feet of the priests left the riverbank, the waters came rushing back to their original flood stage. They placed the stones together and the place was called Gilgal.
“He said to the sons of Israel, ‘When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, “What are these stones?” then you shall inform your children, saying, “Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground. For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed…that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever”’” (Josh. 4:21-24).
The twelve stones were significant because they represented the tribes brought safely to the Promised Land and a fulfillment of the promise of God. Gilgal wasn’t far from where Abraham first built an alter to the Lord in Canaan. The day was significant because it was exactly forty years after the first Passover that was practiced in Egypt. Now they stand in the Promised Land, another promised fulfilled. The ark was significant because God had promised that He would lead them and go before them. The name Gilgal was significant—it means to roll or sweep away. The reproach of the last forty years in the wilderness had been swept away. All of these things were to be taught to future generations, a remembrance of the work of God in their lives. It would forever be a reminder to the peoples of the mighty hand of God.
Is it any wonder that God would have set up a memorial feast for His people in connection with the greatest sacrifice, the greatest act of love, and the greatest promise fulfilled? What are we doing to teach future generations of the mighty hand of God working in our lives? We must remember—never forget the face of our Father.