Recently
I realized that all of the photos and mementos in my office represent the past.
I considered removing them, but wondered if those reminders of people, places,
and events might serve some purpose beyond nostalgia. To avoid being mired in
the “yesterdays” of life, I needed to discover the value of those items for
today and tomorrow.
When
God’s people crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, He told their
leader, Joshua, to choose 12 men, have each one take a stone from the middle of
the river, and carry it to their campsite that night (Josh. 4:1-5). Joshua set
up the stones as a memorial so that when future generations asked, “What do
these stones mean to you?” they could tell them about God’s faithfulness in
holding back the water while they crossed (vv.6-7).
As
followers of Christ, it’s good for us to have tangible evidence of God’s help
in the past. Those mementos remind us that His faithfulness continues today,
and we can follow Him confidently into the future. Our “stones” may also help
others know that God’s hand is mighty, as they encourage us to fear the Lord
our God forever (v.24).
The memories
of what God has done for us can become building blocks for today and tomorrow.
Precious
memories of yesterday can strengthen our faith today and tomorrow. (RBC)
