Daily Reading All Studies Study Software

MEMORIES

The children of Israel had a memory test. We have a long and short term memory. The way the brain stores memory is still a mystery to scientists.

1. The setting of the stones (vs 1-5, 9-20)

The people were to re-enter the river bed. Twelve men each took a stone from the river bed. When they returned the river went back to normal. The twelve stones were set up as a memorial. God takes us into the depths before there is victory.

It happened in the life and ministry of Jesus. Through his death there came victory.
It must happen in our lives. The longer we live the more we should learn from the depths we go through.

2. The significance of the stones (vs 6-7, 21-24)

The stones reminded Israel of God's power and glory. It was not by human effort.
They reminded the Israelites of what God had done. He had been with them in the past. They were to tell their children. They were tangible objects to remember the past. In the Church we have baptism and the Lord's table. They are symbols to remind us of a greater glory.

3. The sadness surrounding the stones (Judges 2:8-15)

The time came when a new generation forgot the Lord and worshipped other gods. They had failed to remind their children what God had done. They had settled in the land and when Joshua died they forsook God. Their memories had lapsed.

Neglect was obvious - the memorial stones were forgotten and their memories lapsed. It was no surprise that their children fell away.
How can we avoid this? It should want more than a profession from our children. We should want to see them going on spiritually. We need to develop long-term memories of the good things that God has done in our lives - lest we forget.