In the life of every Christian, there are ways in which the Lord has performed mighty works. Restoration of relationships, deliverance from drugs and alcohol, breaking down of strongholds, financial miracles, and, the most miraculous of them all, bringing someone who was dead in sin to being alive in Christ – these are just a few of the many. Sometimes it may be hard for a person to see the Lord’s work in his life, but the reality is that God is always working. Sometimes the Lord’s dealings with man are obvious, and sometimes they are a little more subtle.
However, if you are a Christian and you have embraced Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life, then the Bible tells you that God is at work at all times orchestrating events for your good (Rom. 8:28). This is one of the amazing truths of Scripture – that God’s receiving glory in the life of His children comes by way of His also working all things for their good.
However, the unfortunate reality in this fallen world is that the Christian often forgets what the Lord has done. Absolutely amazing acts of divine providence can take place, acts that are unexplainable apart from God, but the Christian soon forgets. Then there are moments in which it seems like God is distant, but then, like a mighty rushing wind reminiscent of the events of Pentecost, He invades the heart of the “distant” saint and revives his soul. But these special moments with the Lord can often be forgotten, too.
But does it matter? Does it even matter if the Christian remembers the special times that he has spent with the Lord or if he remembers the work that God has done in his life? It would seem as though it does. Scripture bears this testimony throughout.
When God delivered His people from the hands of the Egyptians, what did God institute? The Passover Feast – this was to be done in remembrance of the Lord’s work. When Jesus was about to die on the cross, what did He institute? Communion – He told His disciples to eat the bread and drink the wine. He even said they were to do this in remembrance of Himself. The unleavened bread was made so the people could remember the way in which they left in haste from Egypt. Jacob walked with a limp, and this would have reminded him of his time in which he wrestled with God. All of these examples and more can be seen throughout the Scriptures.
In discussing this topic, this article now turns to the book of Joshua. Joshua 4:1-7 gives good instruction to the Christian to remember the Lord’s work.
What is the Lord’s work?
But what is the Lord’s work? This may not necessarily be the same in the life of every Christian. The one unifying event is that of salvation. But this event is like an upside-down funnel. Everyone enters through that same little hole. But after entering, there is not one Christian’s life that will look exactly the same as another’s. In actuality, everyone’s salvation experience can look quite different as well.
It is the Christian’s duty to look for these moments in his own life. Scripture says, “And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan…” (Jos. 4:1). This was the event for the people of Israel this time. The Lord had just parted the waters for the people to pass through. It was an absolutely monumental event. It solidified God’s favor in their lives and Joshua as their new leader.
This was their major event that they were to remember. What is yours?
Why remember the Lord’s work?
The “why” question is an important one. Scripture says, “The Lord spake unto Joshua, saying…” (Jos. 4:1). After the Bible tells us here that the Lord spoke to Joshua, the Lord then gave Joshua a command. The command was for Joshua to set up a memorial unto the Lord. God also told Joshua how this was to take place.
Therefore, as one approaches the question of, “Why should the Christian remember the Lord’s work?”, the answer is because it is what God desires. Obviously, one can see that this command to do such a thing was for those people. God did not tell the modern Christian directly to set up a memorial.
But all throughout Scripture, there are ways in which God delights in His people who do such a thing. So while it may not be a direct command, it is something that pleases the Lord. It is also something that will benefit man.
How to remember the Lord’s work?
The Israelites were to remember the Lord’s work in a unique way. Scripture says that Joshua told twelve men to gather stones. Here is what Joshua said: “Pass over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of Jordan, and take up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of tribes of children of Israel” (Jos. 4:5). Based on this verse, the memorial was to consist of twelve stones. Did you catch the other statement about the stones? They were to be massive stones!
Joshua told these men, who were probably very strong men, to go into the Jordan and gather one stone each. The only criterion for the stone was that it was to be so heavy that they would need to carry it on their shoulder. They were not to grab pebbles.
Rather, they were to take this moment seriously and, in reverence before God, pull out of the dirt the largest stones they could find.
Today, the Christian could use stones, he could use pictures, he could record the events in a journal, or do something else of the like, but in some way, he is to remember what the good Lord has done.
Who shall remember the Lord’s work?
Remembering the Lord’s work has great benefit for the one who is doing the remembering. But it goes far beyond that. Scripture says, “That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?” (Jos. 4:6). Creating memorials for the Lord has great benefit for future generations. They make for wonderful evangelistic and teaching opportunities.
Parents are to be concerned about the spiritual development of their children. When parents make visible ways in which they seek to remember the Lord’s work, their children will notice. Children have a keen eye for these sorts of things. Seek to find ways to make it known that you are remembering the Lord each day.
When to remember the Lord’s work?
But when should the Christian remember the Lord? The Bible is clear on this point. Scripture says, “…these stones will be a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever” (Jos. 4:7). The answer is, forever or always, or at all times, or until your dying day. Always remember what the Lord has done. Never stop seeking to ponder all that He has done for you. God is good, and He has been good, throughout all time and throughout each and every generation.
Remember His work forever. A helpful way to do this is to seek to be proactive in this venture. What may work well for you may not work well for another person and vice versa. Seek the Lord and pray that He would help you to find ways that you can remember Him more.
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for the many ways that You have revealed Yourself in my life. I know I take You for granted and the work that You have done as well. Please teach me ways that I can remember You throughout my days better than I am doing presently. I pray for wisdom here and for Your guidance. Show me how to honor You in this regard. You are a faithful God; help me to remember Your faithfulness. You are a loving God; help me to remember Your love. You are a gracious God; help me to remember Your grace. You are a merciful God; help me to remember Your mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.