Memorial Day: The Value of a Legacy
Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 18 viewsNotes
Transcript
1 Now when all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying,
2 “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from each tribe,
3 and command them, saying, ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet are standing firm, and carry them over with you and lay them down in the lodging place where you will lodge tonight.’ ”
4 So Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the sons of Israel, one man from each tribe;
5 and Joshua said to them, “Cross again to the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel.
6 “Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’
7 then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”
8 Thus the sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, just as the Lord spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the lodging place and put them down there.
9 Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan at the place where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing, and they are there to this day.
Introduction:
One of the most important days that we celebrate in America is Memorial Day; the day to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our national freedom. Without their bravery, heroism, and sacrifice, our daily pleasures and freedoms would not be possible. This is a day to pause and recognize the great price that has been paid and to show our national pride and gratefulness for those who have paid so very much.
The text is a memorable one that is highlighted with the phrase, “What do these stones mean?” (verses 6, 21). The background of the passage is the most transitional period in the Old Testament. There was now a new leader (Moses is dead and Joshua is in charge), a new landscape (from the wilderness wanderings to the security of the Promised Land), and now a new legacy (a stone monument to inform “all the peoples of the earth” (v. 24) how the Lord God is mighty and eternal.) The importance of establishing a legacy is demonstrated in this text, revealing the value of a strong foundation being laid on the memories of great moments of victory and heroism. Our nation’s reflection on those brave heroes of freedom is a classic modern example of this Old Testament practice.
Transition: This morning I would like to share three benefits of valuing a legacy. The first benefit is:
Body:
I. Reminder of the Facts (v. 8)
8 Thus the sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, just as the Lord spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the lodging place and put them down there.
This was a direct, obvious, visible mound of raw stones. Each one was probably very large and heavy, yet not touched by human manipulations. It was a reminder of how God, and God alone, had brought them this far, providing supernaturally for them, by giving them their own land. It was an established marker to remind them, and subsequent later families and generations, of the unparalleled blessing of having God as their Guide and Protector. Those untouched, stacked stones reminded all that saw them of the incredible miracle of God’s bringing His people into the Promised Land. It gave national pride and confidence in God’s hand upon them.
We can say the same thing about how God has protected and provided this nation with our own land, miraculously defeating our enemies and foes with certain victory. Our military prowess is not what has made this country safe – it is God’s supernatural hand of protection and providence.
And what about us this morning? For those of us who are Christians, we have experienced and enjoyed unparalleled blessings from having God as our Guide and Protector-even though we don’t deserve it!
Transition: The second benefit is:
II. Reflection of their Faith (v. 9)
9 Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan at the place where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing, and they are there to this day.
This passage is often overlooked, or just neglected. Notice that Joshua set up another 12 stones, just like the first, yet it was in the middle of the Jordan River, where the priest’s feet stood. Who would ever see those stones? Joshua did that as a reflection of his faith. God’s unseen hand would continue to guide, even though no one would see Him. Just like those stones under the dirty, murky waters of the Jordan, God knew they were there. He would “never leave them, nor forsake them”(1:5).
Our faith is also in that which we cannot see; the workings, power, and love of our eternal Heavenly Father. Those stones were reminders of their need for constant reflection of their faith.
I also like to think God is continually working even when we don’t see it and we don’t have to see anything in order to know that God is still working on our behalf! Eventually what God does in secret, in what we don’t see, eventually comes to light and can be seen by everyone. (Cf. Stones in the riverbed in relation to the stones where the nation of th Israel camped).
Pauline legacy, to ensure that he leaves behind not a monument to himself, but Christians who are a monument to God in their faithfulness.
Darrell L. Bock
Transition: The last benefit is:
III. Reinforcement for the Future (v. 14)
14 On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; so that they revered him, just as they had revered Moses all the days of his life.
This last benefit is more personal. With new leadership comes a “trial” period. Everyone knew Moses. The first two verses of the book of Joshua introduce Moses as “the servant of the Lord,” while Joshua was called, “the son of Nun, assistant to Moses.” He was not as well known, not yet tried.
Notice verse 14. It says that on that day the Lord did something for Joshua that was unique and necessary for a nation, organization, church, and family – trusted leadership. When the children of Israel established this value in legacy, God blessed them with a leader they could trust while blessing Joshua with the confidence of a nation. This was critical for the establishment of their new lands and new battles that they would face in the next several years as they drove out their enemies.
Man looks to the past for his legacy, but the Christian’s legacy lies in the future.
Charles Stanley
Conclusion:
In this day that we live, we need to encourage a more grateful spirit in ourselves and our descendants. Stopping to remember the sacrifices of those that have given their very lives for our freedoms can bring several benefits to our hurting, scarred, and bewildered nation.
We can remind all citizens of the facts of how God gave us this land.
We can reflect on our faith that was the hallmark of the founding of this nation.
And we can develop greater leaders and a more blessed population because of their strength and courage.
Build on your legacy!