Living Stones: Memorials of God’s Faithfulness

Introduction: Begin with a joke: "A pastor asked a child in Sunday school, 'What is a memorial?' The child replied, 'Something to remind us of someone who died.' The pastor smiled and asked, 'And why do we have them in church?' The child quickly responded, 'To remind us about Jesus... and also the pastor’s long sermons!'"

Transition: Memorials are powerful symbols that help us remember important truths, people, or events. Throughout the Bible, God used stones as memorials to remind His people of His faithfulness, provision, and power.

Memorial - something, especially a structure, established to remind people of a person or event.

Point 1: Stones of Remembrance — God’s Faithfulness

Scripture: Joshua 4:1-7

Joshua 4:1–7 ESV

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’ ” Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”

Explanation: When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, God instructed them to take 12 stones from the riverbed and set them up as a memorial. These stones served as a reminder of God’s miraculous provision and guidance.

Illustration: As philosopher and author Ralph Waldo Emerson aged, his memory declined to the point where he often could not remember the names of friends. At the funeral of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, he said, “That gentleman has a sweet, beautiful soul, but I have entirely forgotten his name.”

Application: What "stones" do you have in your life that remind you of God’s faithfulness? Journals, photos, or specific places can serve as memorials. Build your own reminders of what God has done for you and share these stories with your family.

Point 2: Stones of Worship — God’s Power

Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:1-14 (Ebenezer Stone)

1 Samuel 7:1–14 ESV

And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took up the ark of the Lord and brought it to the house of Abinadab on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to have charge of the ark of the Lord. From the day that the ark was lodged at Kiriath-jearim, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the Lord only. Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah. Now when the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. And the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. And Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, as far as below Beth-car. Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath, and Israel delivered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites.

Explanation: Samuel set up a stone after God gave Israel victory over the Philistines and named it "Ebenezer," meaning "stone of help." It commemorated God’s power in their deliverance.

Illustration: Consider modern monuments like the Statue of Liberty or Mount Rushmore, which stand as testimonies to freedom and perseverance. Similarly, the Ebenezer Stone reminded Israel that victory comes from God.

Tony Evans says, “If you limit worship to where you are, the minute you leave that place of worship you will leave your attitude of worship behind like a crumpled-up church bulletin.” (Tony Evans).

Application: In your struggles, place "Ebenezer stones" in your heart—times when you’ve experienced God’s deliverance. These stones can strengthen your faith when you face future battles. Say with confidence, "Thus far the Lord has helped me.

Point 3: Living Stones — God’s Presence

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4–5

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Explanation: In the New Testament, Peter describes believers as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house. God no longer dwells in temples made of stone but in His people, who are the living memorials of His presence and grace.

Illustration: Imagine a beautiful cathedral built with carefully chosen stones, each contributing to the whole. That’s the church—every believer plays a unique role in declaring God’s glory to the world.

Application: Are you a living stone reflecting God’s presence in your daily life? Shine as a memorial of God’s goodness through your words and actions. Let others see Christ in you and be drawn to worship Him.

Conclusion: Challenge: God’s use of stones in the Bible reminds us of His faithfulness, power, and presence. As you go through life, set up your own memorials of God’s work, both physical and spiritual. Let your life as a "living stone" testify to His goodness.

Final Illustration: Share the story of how someone’s testimony or memorial of faith impacted your life. Encourage the congregation to leave a legacy that points others to Christ.

Closing Scripture: Psalm 62:6-7: "He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved."Close with prayer, asking God to help us remember His faithfulness, celebrate His power, and live as memorials of His grace. I am reminded of the little boy who asked his mother if she could remember the highest number she ever counted to. The mother didn’t know so she asked him about his highest number. He answered, “5,372.” The mother was puzzled and asked why he stopped at that particular number. The boy responded, “well church was over.” (Source Unknown).