Introduction
What causes a generation to abandon the love and passion that their forefathers had? How can our generation stay motivated and passionate about the things of God and pass our passion to our kids? Today I want to discover some foundational truths that will help us remain faithful to God.
Why are these Stones Here?
First, these stones will be a “sign to you.” (verse 6). something which points to a reality with even greater significance. These Stones serve as a Billboard that seeks to communicate something to the People of God.
Second, we read in verse 7—“These stones shall be to the people of Israel a MEMORIAL FOREVER!
What God is saying to His people is this: IF YOU WANT TO REMAIN FAITHFUL AND CONTINUE TO LIVE THE BLESSED LIFE YOU MUST NEVER FORGET WHAT I HAVE DONE HERE!!
The importance of remembering the works of God begs the question—what is so dangerous about forgetting about what God has done?
“It’s unfortunate that this memorial at Gilgal gradually lost its spiritual meaning and instead became a shrine where the Jews sinned against God by worshiping there. The Prophet Hosea condemned the people for worshiping at Gilgal instead of at Jerusalem (Hosea 4:15; 9:15; 12:11), and Amos echoed his warnings (Amos 4:4; 5:5). Unless we teach the next generation the truth about the Lord, they will turn away and start following the world —Warrn Weirsbe
And the people of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side —Judges 8:34 Judges 8:34
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. —2 Peter 1:8-9 (2 Peter 1:8-9)
Forgetting leads to meaninglessness and Chaos; remembering anchors us to the peace and assurance of God
Forgetting moves us to trust in ourselves; Remembering moves us to trust in God, to remember that He is the one who fights our battles and protects us from the enemy; that he is the one who strengthens us!
“Perhaps you and I have lived too long with this miracle to properly be appreciative. Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance, it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again.” —Ronald Reagan
What do these Stones Say?
If these stones could speak they would REMIND US of two very important truths:
1. **The Hand of the Lord is Mighty *
Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power,
your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.
7 In the greatness of your majesty you overthrow your adversaries;
you send out your fury; it consumes them like stubble. —Exodus 15:6-7Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you —1 Peter 5:6
*2.You need to Fear the Lord your God Forever
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“To fear God Is to give Him wholehearted loyalty —Richard Hess